Apple has distributed the release candidate versions of its upcoming operating system updates to developers and public beta testers, indicating that the broad releases are imminent.
The release candidates of iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 will be released one week after the third developer betas. It is expected that the updates will be publicly available sometime next week.
iOS 17.3 introduces an “anti-theft” feature that increases security when someone gets their hands on both an iPhone and its unlock code. Identity verification via Face ID or Touch ID is required for sensitive actions such as accessing passwords or exiting Lost Mode.
There is also a new “Security Delay” that requires Face ID or Touch ID plus a one-hour wait before allowing certain actions such as changing the device or Apple ID passcode.
Apple Music allows subscribers to create shared song lists. These can be shared via links and support emoji reactions to tracks.
macOS Sonoma 14.3 refines the Apple Music experience
Apple has made the release candidate of macOS Sonoma 14.3 available to registered developers, which was also released a week after the previous beta version. The release is scheduled for next week.
As on iPhone and iPad, macOS 14.3 brings shared Apple Music playlists. In addition, AppleCare and warranty information for all devices connected to an Apple ID will be displayed in the system settings.
Release candidates of older macOS 13.6.4 and macOS 12.7.3 with security fixes have also been made available.
New watchOS 10.3 includes special Watch Face
Developers also received the watchOS 10.3 release candidate this week, which is the last version before the rollout next week.
No significant new features were revealed during the beta phase, except for a new Unity Bloom watch face that recognizes Black History Month.
tvOS 17.3 brings unspecified improvements
Finally, Apple has made the tvOS 17.3 release candidate available to developers. The company does not provide detailed release notes for tvOS during development.