Apple have always been at the forefront of updating their iOS systems for a better user experience for iPhone users. The updates on the software system always somehow touch on strengthening user security and privacy, which the company emphasise bringing them as one of the best that any smartphone can have.
By replacing the iOS 17.2, the company recently unveiled their latest iOS 17.3 update on schedule, just yesterday, January 22nd. This new iOS 17.3 update comes along with a warning to update now, as it focuses on upgrading security and solves some bug fixes. Let’s take a look at what’s new.
What Does This New iOS 17.3 Update Bring?
1. Stolen Device Protection
First up in the iOS 17.3 update is this big new feature, the Stolen Device Protection. Rather than depending solely on the lock screen passcode, Stolen Device Protection mandates fingerprint scanning or Face ID for specific actions.
This adds an extra layer of security, especially considering thieves’ tactics of tricking individuals into revealing their passcode before making off with the phone. The enhanced security measures apply to activities like accessing saved passwords or applying for a new Apple Card.
The functionality also implements a delay when undertaking more sensitive tasks, such as altering your Apple ID password or iPhone passcode. As stated in the iOS 17.3 update documentation, Apple specifies that the “Security Delay” necessitates Face ID or Touch ID, along with a one-hour waiting period, followed by an additional successful biometric authentication.
This multi-step process ensures that the individual carrying out these actions is indeed the authorised user. Apple notes that this additional layer of authentication is only triggered when the iPhone is away from recognised locations like home or work.
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2. AirPlay Hotel Support
Hotel support for AirPlay has been anticipated for some time, and it is now available. In specific hotels, users can stream content directly to the TV in their room.
3. Collaborative Playlists
With collaborative playlists, iPhone users can invite friends to contribute to their playlists, and emojis can be included as reactions to any track within such a playlist. Besides, this new feature is not only available for iOS 17.3, but also to macOS 14.3 Sonoma, which friends can join and contribute to playlists in the Apple Music app.
4. Crash Detection
This may be a useful advancement for users who often drop their iPhones. The functionality of crash detection has been fine-tuned for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models.
5. Wallpaper Extension
The Unity Bloom Wallpaper, a component of this year’s Black Unity initiative, is now accessible for iPhone and iPad lock screens, featuring blossoming flowers in vibrant colours. It’s a small surprise for users who like such flowers as wallpapers.
6. Apple Care and Warranty
Last but not least, Apple Care and Warranty show user’s coverage for all devices, which can be found in Settings.
Which iPhones Support This iOS 17.3 Update?
Similar to previous iOS 17 iterations, the iPhone must be an iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, or iPhone XR from 2018, or any version of iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 variants. It also covers second and third-generation iPhone SE models.
How Do I Get This Update?
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, select General, and then tap on Software Update. Within this section, you’ll find options for Automatic Updates and Beta Updates. Regardless of your automatic update preferences, you can opt to download the new software immediately, which is typically the recommended choice. Select Download and Install, and your iPhone will be updated promptly.
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Security Fixes in This iOS 17.3 Update
Apple did not officially announce the full details about the fixes in iOS 17.3 to encourage a swift update for iPhone users, minimising the risk of attackers obtaining specific details. Besides, as mentioned in the beginning, this new update comes with a warning to update as soon as possible as the update addresses 16 security vulnerabilities, including one currently exploited in real-world attacks.
Why Does This Update Come with a Warning?
Identified as CVE-2024-23222, the exploited vulnerability in iOS 17.3 lies within WebKit, the foundation of Apple’s Safari browser, posing a risk of code execution for potential attackers. Apple acknowledged a reported exploitation of this issue, as stated on their support page.
As part of the iOS 17.3 security enhancement, Apple addressed three additional vulnerabilities in WebKit, with two having the potential for code execution. Another noteworthy fix in iOS 17.3 is related to a Kernel flaw, identified as CVE-2024-23208, which could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code with Kernel privileges through an application.
The security updates in iOS 17.3 follow a series of emergency updates from Apple, addressing vulnerabilities exploited in spyware attacks. These attacks involve adversaries compromising iPhones through “Zero-click” methods, requiring no user interaction, often exploiting WebKit vulnerabilities.
It’s uncommon for Apple to incorporate an immediate fix, one actively exploited in attacks, within a major point upgrade like iOS 17.3. While the reasons for this decision could vary, it is likely attributed to coincidental timing.
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Closing Words
Updating to iOS 17.3 is a wise decision, particularly due to the crucial security fixes it brings, and also alongside the Stolen Device Protection feature and other better updates. This is especially important for device owners capable of running iOS 17, as Apple no longer provide security updates for newer devices on iOS 16. However, if you possess an older iPhone unable to run iOS 17, Apple have also released iOS 16.7.5 and iOS 15.8.1 to ensure the security of your device.
With this update, it’s not hard to see that Apple are determined to enhance security to a better level and strangle all potential security breaches that tend to be more advanced too. Thus, it’s best to get this iOS update as soon as possible. Speaking of updates in smartphones, you might also want to check out Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 series here.