Apple Unveils iOS 17.3 Beta Introducing Stolen Device Protection and Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music

Apple initiated the rollout of iOS 17.3 beta to testers on Tuesday, following closely on the heels of the stable release of iOS 17.2 for compatible iPhone models. This initial beta of the company’s upcoming update is anticipated to mark the final release before the holiday season, reintroducing a previously omitted Apple Music feature absent in iOS 17.2. Simultaneously, Apple is conducting tests on a new security feature aimed at impeding unauthorized access to personal accounts in case of device theft.

With the latest iOS 17.3 beta installed, testers gain access to Apple’s novel Stolen Device Protection feature. This functionality necessitates biometric authentication (Touch ID or Face ID) for executing account-related modifications on an iPhone, such as disabling Lost Mode or accessing sensitive information like iCloud Keychain passwords, as specified by the tech giant.

Crucial security adjustments accompany this feature. Disabling components like Face ID, Apple ID or iPhone passcode, and other pivotal security settings not only demands authentication but also implements a one-hour delay before these alterations take effect. This strategic measure is intended to prevent potential thieves from gaining entry into your account by learning your passcode and subsequently absconding with your device.

With the iOS 17.3 beta update, Apple has also added support for another feature that was announced earlier this year but is yet to make its way to users on the stable channel — Collaborative Playlists on Apple Music. Testers who have updated to iOS 17.3 beta 1 can look for the person icon next to a playlist and contribute to their friends’ playlists.

It is worth noting that the inclusion of Collaborative Playlists on Apple Music on the first iOS 17.2 beta is not an indicator of whether the feature will arrive with the stable iOS 17.3 release. Apple previously tested collaborative playlists on beta versions of iOS 17.2, but the feature was pulled in the final version that rolled out to users on Monday. However, it is evident that iOS users who are not on the beta release channel will have to wait until early 2024 to try out these new features.