Apple has released a new iPhone software update that includes the 2024 Black Unity wallpaper, collaborative Apple Music playlists, Stolen Device Protection, AirPlay for hotel TVs, and more. The latest version, iOS 17.3, also includes AppleCare and warranty information in Settings for all covered devices with your Apple ID. Lastly, iOS 17.3 includes ongoing improvements to crash detection on iPhone 14 and later. iPadOS 17.3 also gains the new Apple Music features.
Stolen Device Detection is a new opt-in feature that aims to prevent crime rings focused on targeting iPhone users in public places. The Wall Street Journal reported on the crime scheme last year.
Collaborative playlists for Apple Music is a feature that has been in the works for a bit. The feature premiered for beta testers in iOS 17.2, but it didn’t make the release version. The Apple Music update returned in iOS 17.3 with emoji reactions.
The 2024 Unity wallpaper was revealed last week as part of the Black Unity collection. The collection includes a newly designed Sport band, Apple Watch face, and iPhone wallpaper. Look for the Unity section when adding a new wallpaper to find the 2024 artwork.
As for AirPlay for hotel TVs, that’s a feature that will require supported TVs in hotels before it can be used. Apple points to hotel brands from IHG Hotels & Resorts as the first to support hotel AirPlay. Separately, LG has named its Pro:Centric Smart Hotel TVs as hardware that will work with hotel AirPlay.
Apple added video streaming to AirPlay 2 several years ago, but the connection between Apple devices and AirPlay 2 TVs happens over Wi-Fi. AirPlay for hotel TVs uses an on-screen QR code from the TV to initiate pairing where a long list of every hotel TV on the password-protected network is not practical.
Stolen Device Protection
Lock Screen
Music
This update also includes the following improvements:
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Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.
