iOS 17.3 arrives this Monday, January 22. And while this update brings few new features, it improves the security of iPhones and iPads with functions that protect their content, particularly in the event of theft.
Last December, Apple rolled out a major update for iOS. Version 17.2 included functions unveiled during the developers conference in June 2023, such as the Journal app for example. This month of January 2024 welcomes a new system update for iPhone this evening. This version 17.3 is not as comprehensive as the previous one but nevertheless brings significant advances, particularly in the area of security. Indeed, with iOS 17.3, pickpockets and other thieves interested in iPhones will perhaps think twice before committing theft. Apple is introducing a new option called Theft Protection. Its goal is to make it even more difficult to access the data on the device even if the thief knows the unlock code.
Until now, it was enough to have this code to not only have access to all the sensitive data stored on the device but also to be able to modify various protections such as Face ID locking, even if the iPhone was declared lost or stolen from the Find My service. This will no longer be possible. With the Theft Protection option enabled, having the unlock code will no longer be enough to access a device declared lost or stolen. Confirmation by Face ID or Touch ID will also be necessary. And, just to add another layer, changing the iPhone password cannot be done instantly as is the case today. A delay of one hour will be necessary for it to be taken into account (with verification via Face ID or Touch ID). Apple specifies, however, that this delay will not be taken into account if the iPhone is located in a familiar place such as the home or office.
Some smaller new features accompany this 17.3 update. For example, there is the possibility of creating collaborative playlists in the Music app. Members of the same family or friends can thus generate common playlists where everyone is free to add or delete songs. In addition, the AirPlay function, which allows audio and/or video content to be broadcast from the iPhone to a television or speakers, will be supported in certain hotels (Apple does not specify the partner hotel groups). No need to enter your Apple credentials to connect to a television to display content from the iPhone. Finally, accident detection has been optimized on iPhone 14 and 15 to reduce reporting errors.
How to install iOS 17.3 update on an iPhone?
iOS 17.3 update will be available this evening. It targets the same series of iPhones compatible with version 17, namely:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone Xr
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
To get it, open the device settings, choose General Then Software update. The update should be offered to you. Then just press the button To update. Let us remember in passing that iPads are also affected.