Apple has released a new software update for iPhone that includes the Black Unity 2024 wallpaper, collaborative Apple Music playlists, device theft protection, AirPlay for hotel TVs and more.
The latest version, iOS 17.3, It also includes AppleCare and warranty information in Settings for all devices covered by your Apple ID. Finally, iOS 17.3 includes additional improvements to crash detection on iPhone 14 and later models. iPadOS 17.3 also receives the new Apple Music functions.
The Protection against device theft is a new optional feature designed to prevent someone from taking control of your iPhone if they steal it. Certain actions require the use of Face ID or Touch ID without the ability to manually enter the code. And to change sensitive data such as the device code or Apple ID password, a security timeout of 1 hour is activated.
The Apple Music shared playlists It is a feature that has been in development for some time. The feature was first introduced in the iOS 17.2 beta but was not included in the release version. Now it's available and allows you to create playlists that other people can collaborate on.
Speaking of which AirPlay for hotel TVs, This feature requires compatible televisions in hotels before it can be used. Apple notes that hotel brands IHG Hotels & Resorts are the first to support AirPlay in hotels.
Apple added video streaming to AirPlay 2 a few years ago, but the connection between Apple devices and AirPlay 2 TVs is over Wi-Fi. AirPlay for Hotel TVs uses a QR code on the TV screen to initiate pairing.
iOS 17.3 release notes
Protection against device theft
- Protection in the event of device theft increases the security of the iPhone and Apple D because certain actions require the use of Face ID or Touch ID without the possibility of manually entering the code.
- To change sensitive data such as the device code or Apple ID password, the security timeout is activated: after authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, you must wait an hour and after this time perform biometric authentication again.
Lock screen
- The new Unity wallpaper pays homage to Black history and culture to celebrate Black History Month.
Music
- Collaborative playlists let you invite your friends to add, rearrange, and delete songs too.
- React to any song in collaborative playlists with emojis.
This update also includes the following improvements:
- AirPlay compatibility with select hotels lets you stream content directly to your in-room TV.
- The AppleCare & Warranty section in Settings shows coverage for all devices you're signed in to with your Apple ID.
- Improvements to the crash detection feature have been implemented on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.