Today Apple released big updates across all of their devices. These updates of course introduce a lot of refinements, minor enhancements, and security fixes. But there is one huge new security feature for iPhone that I recommend enabling immediately for almost everyone: Stolen Device Protection. When enabled, a thief who knows your passcode because they saw you type it in cannot easily access certain sensitive parts of your iPhone without authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID. The only people who may not want to enable this feature are those who have difficulty with Face ID or Touch ID.
Features and improvements in today’s software include
- Stolen Device Protection (iPhone only)
- The ability to collaborate on Apple Music playlists with Emoji reactions
- Unity wallpaper in celebration of Black History Month
- AppleCare & Warranty settings now shows all devices connected to your Apple ID
- AirPlay for hotels is now available, though no announcement on which hotels specifically; last year when announced it was said that it was coming first to select IHG properties
- Crash detection optimizations in iOS 17
Today’s software releases are
- iOS 17.3
- iPadOS 17.3
- watchOS 10.3
- tvOS 17.3
- HomePod OS 17.3
- macOS 14.3 Sonoma
- macOS 13.6.4 Ventura
- macOS 12.7.3 Monterey
- iOS 16.7.5 (only for devices unable to run iOS 17)
- iPadOS 16.7.5 (only for devices unable to run iOS 17)
- Apple Music Classical 1.2 adds CarPlay support
To update
- Mac: Click the menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Apple Support Article HT201541
- iPhone, iPad: Open the Settings app > General > Software Update. Apple Support Article HT204204
- Apple Watch: First update your iPhone, then on your iPhone open the Watch app > General > Software Update. Apple Support Article HT204641
- Apple TV: Go to the Settings app > System > Software Update. Apple Support Article HT202716
- HomePod: Updates will install automatically. To push the update along faster see the instructions in Apple Support Article HT208247
- Vision Pro: Go to the Settings app > General > Software Update. Apple Support Article 118481
Further Help
If you are an existing customer who needs help with this or if you have other questions, or if you are in San Francisco and interested in becoming a client I invite you to book an appointment with me. Otherwise, you may wish to contact Apple Support or find a local Apple consultant.
More Tips
For more tips like this delivered directly to your inbox sign up for my email list: