Apple’s anticipated release of iOS 17.3 is expected sometime in mid to late January 2024. While an exact date has not yet been confirmed by Apple, iOS 17.3 will likely arrive before the end of January based on past software update timelines and accounting for the holiday slowdown. This pending iPhone update brings some notable new features that continue to enhance the iOS experience.
iOS 17.3 Release Date
Apple has not provided an official iOS 17.3 release date as of late December 2023. However, examining previous iOS release patterns provides clues about when iOS 17.3 will likely arrive.
iOS 16 launched on September 12, 2022 and iOS 16.1 was released on October 24, 2022. iOS 16.2 came out on December 12, 2022. Each point release arrived roughly 5-6 weeks after the previous update.
Accounting for the holiday slowdown at the end of December, a similar timeline would put iOS 17.3 on track for a mid to late January 2024 release. Some experts specifically predict the update will arrive during the third or fourth week of January.
Apple will likely release several iOS 17.3 betas in December 2023 and January 2024 leading up to the public release. The beta testing period allows developers to try out the new features and provide feedback to Apple ahead of the official rollout.
So while iOS users await the official confirmation from Apple, they can expect to see iOS 17.3 hit iPhones everywhere most likely before the end of January 2024.
Expected Features in iOS 17.3
iOS 17.3 brings some substantial new capabilities to the iPhone experience. The most noteworthy addition is the new Stolen Device Protection, which adds an extra layer of security if someone attempts to access your iPhone without authorization.
Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection is designed to prevent access to an iPhone if both the device and its passcode are compromised by an unauthorized user. This feature restricts certain actions even if the passcode is known.
For example, someone who steals your locked iPhone cannot use your passcode to:
- Change your Apple ID password or security settings
- Modify your iPhone passcode or enable/disable Face ID/Touch ID
- Turn off Find My iPhone or disable Stolen Device Protection
- Erase and reactivate your iPhone
Stolen Device Protection enters a locked state when an iPhone is remotely locked with Find My iPhone and cannot be unlocked without your Apple ID credentials. This provides device owners peace of mind that their personal data remains inaccessible even in the unfortunate event their passcode is compromised along with their device.
Apple Music Collaborative Playlists
iOS 17.3 will allow multiple Apple Music subscribers to jointly curate shared playlists. Users can follow a collaborative playlist to view and contribute edits.
Specific capabilities include:
- Adding, reordering, and removing songs
- Leaving emoji reactions next to playlist tracks
- Viewing other subscribers’ recent activity and edits
This provides a more social, cooperative approach to playlist creation among groups of Apple Music users. Playlists can evolve over time as subscribers provide ongoing feedback.
Enhanced iCloud Keychain Access
The iOS 17.3 update brings added convenience for accessing passwords and passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain. Users will be able to approve iCloud Keychain requests more easily across Apple devices signed into their Apple ID.
Streamlining iCloud Keychain access allows users to more readily retrieve and leverage saved passwords and credentials across Apple products. Strong security is maintained while removing hassle when approving iCloud Keychain requests.
Apple Card Management Improvements
Within iOS 17.3, new Wallet app functionality will enable users to:
- Apply for a new Apple Card
- View their virtual Apple Card number
- View pending Apple Card applications
- View past statements and transaction summaries
Bringing these Apple Card management capabilities directly into the Wallet app provides simpler access without having to log separately into an Apple Card account. Users can efficiently check their virtual card number, review statements, and submit applications all from Wallet.
Lost Mode and Remote Erase
Two existing iPhone security capabilities – Lost Mode and remote erase – will be enhanced in iOS 17.3. Users will be able to:
- Turn off Lost Mode on a device
- Erase all content and settings on a device
This provides more flexibility for Lost Mode, allowing users to disable it if a lost device is recovered. The separate remote wiping capability delivers another option to fully erase data if a lost iPhone cannot be retrieved.
Wallet App Actions
iOS 17.3 enables new actions within the Wallet app related to:
- Apple Cash balance splitting
- Apple Card Savings account management
- Apple Card payments
More tasks can be accomplished without having to leave Wallet or log into additional apps, providing greater efficiency for Apple Pay users.
Improved Battery Life
While not directly highlighted in iOS 17.3 beta notes, early reviews indicate that the latest update may bring battery life improvements. Gains in battery efficiency allow iPhones to retain charge longer between charges.
Any battery life extensions would provide meaningful everyday benefits to users. Apple consistently seeks to balance advanced iOS capabilities with maximizing battery life. iOS 17.3 appears poised to deliver gains on both fronts.
Wrapping Up
The pending release of iOS 17.3 promises exciting new additions like Stolen Device Protection and Apple Music collaborative playlists alongside refinements such as enhanced iCloud Keychain access.
iPhone users eager to benefit from the latest iOS capabilities can expect to see iOS 17.3 roll out in mid to late January 2024. With iOS updates arriving reliably every few weeks, Apple sustains robust innovation and feature expansion that keeps the iPhone experience at the forefront of the mobile world. Personally, I am very excited to use the new Stolen Device Protection feature. Which feature do you love the most? Share with us in the comment section.