Apple Releases iOS 17.3, macOS 14.3, and watchOS 10.3

Apple is updating all of its software platforms today with the release of iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS 14.3, and watchOS 10.3. The iOS update is the most important one as it introduces the new Stolen Device Protection feature that will increase security by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions on iPhones running the latest iOS release.

Activating Stolen Device Protection will prevent strangers from accessing your passwords, changing your security settings, or turning off the Find My iPhone feature when your iPhone is away from familiar locations such as home and work. All these actions will require biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID. There’s also an additional protection named Security Delay, which requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before performing sensitive operations on your iPhone.

Stolen Device Protection can be enabled by going to Settings > Face ID (or Touch ID) & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection. iOS 17.3 also introduces collaborative playlists in Apple Music, AirPlay hotel support in select hotels, and crash detection optimizations on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.

The new updates for macOS and watchOS are quite minor, however: macOS Sonoma 14.3 also adds support for collaborative playlists in Apple Music, and AppleCare & Warranty in Settings will now show your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID. watchOS 10.3, however, introduces the Unity Bloom watch face that matches the floral design of the new Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Band the company announced last week.