As expected, Apple began beta testing of iOS 17.3 the day after the release of iOS 17.2. The new beta is expected to reintroduce collaborative playlists to Apple Music (removed in a late beta of iOS 17.2) and could bring other remaining iOS 17 features such as AirPlay to supported hotels.
Perhaps the most exciting part of iOS 17.3 is a new feature called Stolen Device Protection. When enabled, the feature will make it more difficult to perform certain actions, including changing your Apple ID password, passcode, or viewing your other passwords, when you are far from a familiar place. With just your iPhone’s password (which could be obtained just by watching a user type it), a thief can change the Apple ID password and erase your iPhone, but protecting stolen devices adds the layer Face ID or Touch ID when you’re away from home. , at work or in another reliable location.
Updated 03/01/24: Apple released IOS 17.3 Beta 2 to developers today, but pulled the version shortly after when some users reported that it put their phone in an infinite boot loop state. A new version will probably be released soon. We will update this story again when we know more.
iOS 17.3: new features
We’re still discovering new features and changes in iOS 17.3, so this section will be updated frequently. Here’s what’s been discovered so far.
Stolen Device Protection: A new optional security feature that limits what can be done on your iPhone with just your six-digit passcode when you’re not in a familiar location like home or work. The goal is to make it harder for thieves to access important information on your iPhone or prevent you from accessing your Apple ID. Find it below Settings > Face ID and passcode.
Apple Music collaborative playlists: After being removed from iOS 17.2 beta 4, the feature returned in the first beta of iOS 17.3.
1OS 17.3: How to install the public beta
If you want to be among the first to test iOS 17.3, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed since iOS 16.4. Here’s how the new process now works:
- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and sign up with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the beta software program.
- Click on Register your iOS device.
- Open it Settings application, tap GeneralSO Software update.
- In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS public beta.
It may take a few moments after signing up for the beta option to appear in the software update.
iOS 17.3: How to install the developer beta
You will need to be registered as an Apple developer. Starting with iOS 17, you don’t need to participate in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do the trick. You can get one through Xcode or the Apple Developer app on iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap Account.
- Sign in using your regular Apple ID.
If you want to sell apps on the App Store, you’ll need to pay $99/£79 per year for a paid account. Sign up for the Apple Developer Program (here) or through the Apple Developer App. You can compare free and paid accounts here.
Registered developers can choose to get the public beta by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in software updates.
Some developers have an Apple ID registered for developer access that is different from the Apple ID associated with their Apple account and personal information. To use a different Apple ID for beta access than used in the rest of iOS, open Settings > General > Software update > Beta updates and select Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.
Find out everything you need to know about iOS 17 in our iOS 17 superguide.
