Hey there! Wondering when the highly anticipated iOS 17.3 will be released? Well, Apple has been busy working on this update and has already given developers and public beta testers access to three betas. While it may not have as many new features as the previous update, iOS 17.2, it’s still generating plenty of buzz. The good news is that we can expect its launch before the end of January. In fact, the week of January 22nd seems to be a likely time for it to hit the scene. But let’s dive deeper into the details to get a clearer picture, shall we?
Timing of iOS 17.3 Release
The expected release date for iOS 17.3 is before the end of January. Apple has already released three betas of iOS 17.3 to developers and public beta testers. Compared to the previous iOS 17.2 update, iOS 17.3 is not as large in terms of new features, so the testing period is expected to be shorter.
Main Feature of iOS 17.3
One of the main features of iOS 17.3 is Stolen Device Protection. This feature provides additional security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information in the event of a stolen device. It locks certain features behind a Face ID scan, such as iCloud Keychain passwords and Lost Mode, to protect user data.
Additionally, iOS 17.3 introduces collaborative Apple Music playlists. This feature allows multiple people to contribute to a shared Apple Music playlist, making it easier for users to collaborate and curate their favorite songs and albums together.
iOS 17.3 Beta Testing
During the beta testing phase of iOS 17.3, Apple released three betas. Although the new features added during testing were not particularly notable, it indicates that the testing phase is nearing its end. The duration of the testing period for iOS 17.3 is expected to be shorter due to the fewer significant additions compared to previous updates.
Possible Release Dates
There are two possible release dates for iOS 17.3: the week of January 22nd or the week of January 29th. The first option seems more likely as Apple has already released three betas and there may not be much testing left. If Apple plans to launch the update on the 22nd or the 23rd, the release candidate version is expected to be available on the 15th, followed by the official release.
On the other hand, the week of January 29th coincides with the expected release of visionOS and the Vision Pro headset. While Apple sometimes ties software updates together, visionOS is an entirely new operating system and is unlikely to be accompanied by other updates.
Release Dates of Previous iOS Versions
In previous years, iOS updates have been released around January. For instance, Apple released iOS 16.3 on January 23, 2023, and iOS 15.3 on January 26, 2022. Based on past release timelines, a release date of January 22 for iOS 17.3 would be in line with Apple’s previous patterns.
Release of Previous Apple Operating Systems
The last new operating system update released by Apple was watchOS back in 2015. WatchOS was officially released on April 24, 2015, the same day that the first Apple Watch models launched. This shows that Apple has a history of releasing new operating systems to coincide with the launch of new devices.
Other Possible Software Releases
While iOS 17.3 is the focus of this article, there may be other software releases on the horizon. One example is visionOS, an entirely new operating system that is expected to come out around the same time. However, it is unlikely that visionOS will be accompanied by any other updates as it is a standalone release.
New Features of iOS 17.3
iOS 17.3 introduces the Stolen Device Protection feature, which aims to prevent unauthorized access to user data in the event of a stolen device. This feature locks certain features behind a Face ID scan, making it harder for thieves to access sensitive information such as iCloud Keychain passwords and Safari payment methods. Additionally, iOS 17.3 adds a time-based delay before allowing Face ID, Find My, or Stolen Device Protection to be turned off, as well as before permitting changes to Apple ID or iPhone passcodes.
Collaborative Apple Music Playlists is another notable feature in iOS 17.3. This feature allows multiple users to contribute to a shared Apple Music playlist, making it easier for friends and family to create and discover music together.
Related Roundups and Forums
For more information and discussions about iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, you can visit the related roundups and forums on MacRumors. These platforms provide a space for users to stay updated on the latest news and share their thoughts and experiences related to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17.
In conclusion, the release of iOS 17.3 is expected before the end of January, with the most likely dates being the week of January 22nd or the week of January 29th. The main feature of iOS 17.3 is Stolen Device Protection, which provides additional security measures for protecting sensitive information on stolen devices. Collaborative Apple Music Playlists is another exciting addition to iOS 17.3, allowing users to collaborate and curate music playlists together. Keep an eye out for the official release of iOS 17.3 and other possible software releases in the near future.
