Apple has just officially released iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 to users to bring some notable changes including the Stolen Device Protection anti-theft feature.
According to AppleInsider, the third major update for iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 was released after iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 launched on December 11 last year. Users can now download iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 to install on their compatible iPhone and iPad models.
Fundamentally, there are few changes to iOS 17.3 when compared to the previous version, other than the return of collaborative playlists on Apple Music and especially Stolen Device Protection for enhanced user protection.
Stolen Device Protection is a feature that helps protect user data if both their iPhone and passcode are by a thief. In cases where devices are taken outside of trusted locations such as home or work, making changes to the Apple ID or resetting the device will not be easy.
iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 have build number 21D50, replacing previous builds 21C66 for iOS 17.2.1 and 21C62 for iPadOS 17.2. In addition, Apple also released updates for older iPhones and iPads, including iOS and iPadOS 15.8.1, and iOS and iPadOS 16.7.5.
To manually update the device to iOS 17.3, users can open the Settings app > General > Software Update. If an update is available for your device, tap it and follow the onscreen instructions to install it.