The latest iOS update adds a welcome security feature, keeping your data secure in case your iPhone is stolen.
After several weeks of beta, iOS 17.3 is now deployed to all iPhone users. This new version brings a security feature that we would have liked to see arrive sooner as well as the highly anticipated collaborative playlists announced for months for Apple Music.
Theft protection comes to iPhone
Until now, unlocking your iPhone using a biometric fingerprint (Face ID or Touch ID) always offered a fallback solution in the form of a PIN code. So, even for the most sensitive operations, such as connecting to your bank account and contactless payment, it was still possible to use this code as validation.
This is now history since iOS 17.3 adds an additional layer of protection in the event of theft. This, according to Apple’s release notes, “strengthens the security of your iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication (with no option to use the passcode if it fails) to perform certain actions.»
In addition, if you want to change your PIN code or your Apple password, you will need to perform two biometric authentications spaced one hour apart. This update is primarily intended to prevent bad people from being able to steal money from you or steal your data using your simple unlock code. The Wall Street Journal revealed that the practice had become legion in places like bars and nightclubs and we would bet that it has already happened to someone you know, if not you.
Collaborative playlist and AirPlay in hotels
In the rest of the update notes, we notably find the addition of collaborative playlists which will allow you to invite contacts in order to organize a list of songs, before an evening for example. It will even be possible to add emojis to each song.
You will now be able to cast content from your iPhone in certain hotels offering TVs equipped with AirPlay technology. Finally, car accident detection is improving for the iPhone 14 and 15, without Apple specifying the details.