iOS 17.3 Beta unveils new features: Stolen Device Protection, Collaborative Playlists, and more

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iOS 17.3 for iPhones. This update is accessible to individuals enrolled in Apple's Developer program who are eligible for beta updates. Other users will have to wait until the global rollout of the stable version, expected in January, to experience these new enhancements.

The latest update has introduced several intriguing features, including Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, and even emoji reactions to songs. Let us delve into these additions. Amidst increasing reports of iPhone thefts, the company has incorporated an additional security measure for stolen smartphones.

This feature proves particularly valuable in cases where an individual has both the iPhone and knowledge of the passcode (as lacking the passcode prevents unauthorized access). With this feature activated, specific actions like accessing passwords in iCloud Keychain, disabling Lost Mode, wiping content, and making purchases in Safari will necessitate user confirmation through FaceID or TouchID biometrics. Furthermore, in highly sensitive areas like modifying the Apple ID password, attempting to change the iPhone passcode, or adding/removing FaceID or TouchID, biometric authentication is mandatory.

With this feature enabled, a one-hour security delay is implemented for additional protection. This is an opt-in feature, so there is no need to be concerned about it being activated by default. To enable it, you can navigate to the Settings app, then proceed to Face ID & Passcode.

Within the options, locate Stolen Device Protection. Clicking on it will reveal a toggle menu, allowing you to switch it on at your discretion. To utilize this feature, simply open the Apple Music app and navigate to a playlist.