Apple today released iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, the third major update since the release of the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems, which were originally released in September 2023. The software comes more than a month after Apple released iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 along with the Journal app.

iOS17.3 and iPadOS17.3 can be downloaded OTA to eligible iPhones and iPads through "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". Apple has also released iOS 15.8.1 and iOS 16.7.5 for users running older versions of iOS.

In iOS 17.3, Apple added a "Stolen Device Protection" feature to the iPhone, which limits access to private information to prevent someone from obtaining both the iPhone and the password. It requires biometric authentication to access passwords, turn off Lost Mode, make purchases in Safari, and more.

The update also supports streaming content directly to TVs in certain hotel rooms via AirPlay, creating Apple Music playlists with friends and family, and more. The full release notes for Apple's update are below:

Stolen device protection

-Stolen Device Protection improves iPhone and Apple ID security by requiring FaceID or TouchID (no passcode fallback) to perform certain actions.

- A security delay requires using FaceID or TouchID to wait one hour before a successful biometric verification before performing sensitive operations such as changing your device passcode or Apple ID password.

lock screen

- In celebration of Black History Month, new unified wallpapers pay tribute to Black history and culture

music

-Collaborative playlists allow you to invite friends to your playlists and everyone can add, reorder and delete songs

-Ability to add emoji reactions to any song in a collaborative playlist

This update also includes the following improvements:

-Supports AirPlay hotel playback function, allowing you to stream content directly to the TV in a specific hotel room

- "AppleCare & Warranty" in Settings displays warranty coverage for all devices signed in with Apple ID

-Crash detection optimization (all iPhone14 and iPhone15 models)