Apple has made a big move by releasing the iOS 17.3/iPadOS 17.3 Release Candidate (RC), which means the new OS is almost ready for official release and may release with a few weeks. The new features and improvements that Apple fans can anticipate are teased in this announcement.
The build number for iOS 17.3 RC and iPadOS 17.3 RC is 21D50. Like the public release versions, these complete builds have significant sizes that vary depending on the model.
The latest Release Candidate versions of iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, released to developers and public beta testers, introduce several new features and improvements, enhancing user experience and security. Key updates in this release include:
- Stolen Device Protection: This feature enhances the security of iPhones and associated Apple IDs. It requires Face ID or Touch ID for certain actions, with no fallback to passcode. This includes accessing passwords in iCloud Keychain, deactivating Lost Mode, and making purchases through Safari with saved payment credentials. Additionally, it incorporates a security delay requiring Face ID or Touch ID, followed by an hour wait and another successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed.
- Collaborative Apple Music Playlists: This update allows Apple Music subscribers to share playlists with others, enabling the creation of shared song lists. These collaborative playlists are simple to use, shareable via a link, and support emoji reactions.
- New Unity Bloom Wallpaper: A new wallpaper for iPhone and iPad has been added, called Unity Bloom, which honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month.
Additional improvements in this update include AirPlay hotel support for streaming content directly to hotel room TVs, AppleCare & Warranty visibility in Settings for all devices signed in with an Apple ID, and crash detection optimizations for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.
Preparing for the Official Release
With the RC now available for download, Apple is ironing out the final details before the official release of iOS 17.3, slated for January 23. This update is expected to not just enhance user experience but also fortify device security, reflecting Apple’s commitment to user safety and enjoyment
Download iOS 17.3 RC / iPadOS 17.3 RC
Beta testers for iPhone and iPad can now access and download the iOS 17.3 RC and iPadOS 17.3 RC by navigating to Settings, selecting General, and then tapping on Software Update.
These advancements make iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 a significant update for Apple users, focusing on security, social features, and user-friendly enhancements. The full release of these updates is anticipated in the coming week.
