Apple is developing iOS 17.3 update, expected to be released before the end of the month

Apple is developing the iOS 17.3 update and has released three betas to developers and public testers so far. In terms of new features, this update doesn’t have as many as previous iOS 17.2 updates, so the testing period won’t be as long and we expect it to be released before the end of January.

In terms of timing, a launch the week of January 22 might make the most sense. Three betas have been released so far, two of which didn't add anything particularly noteworthy, suggesting there's not much testing left. If Apple plans to release the update on the 22nd or 23rd, then we can expect to see the release candidate version of the iOS 17.3 update on the 15th before the release.

Apple may also release iOS 17.3 the week of the 29th, but that week is when visionOS and VisionPro headsets will be available. Apple sometimes bundles software releases with updates, but as a brand new operating system, visionOS is unlikely to be accompanied by any other updates.

The last new operating system update Apple launched was watchOS in 2015. watchOS was officially released on Friday, April 24, 2015, the same day the first Apple Watch models were launched.

Apple released iOS 16.3 last year on January 23, and Apple will release iOS 15.3 in 2022 on January 26. Therefore, the release date of iOS 17.3 on January 22 is in line with Apple’s past release schedule.

The main new feature of iOS 17.3 is "Stolen Device Protection" (Stolen Device Protection), which prevents thieves from somehow obtaining the iPhone and password to access sensitive information. It locks multiple functions through FaceID scanning to prevent thieves from viewing iCloud Keychain passwords, turning off lost mode, using Safari payment methods, etc.

It also adds a time-based delay before allowing FaceID, Find My, or Stolen Device Protection to be turned off, and before allowing changes to Apple ID or iPhone passwords.

In addition to the "Stolen Device Protection" feature, iOS 17.3 also adds the "Collaborative Apple Music Playlist" feature, which was originally prepared for iOS 17.2. With collaborative playlists, multiple people can contribute to a shared Apple Music playlist.