iOS 17.3 Update for iPhone Available to Download Now

iOS 17.3 for iPhone has been released by Apple, along with iPadOS 17.3 for iPad. The software updates include some minor new features, as well as security enhancements and bug fixes, and are therefore recommended for all iPhone and iPad users to install onto their devices.

The most notable new feature to arrive with iOS 17.3 is Stolen Device Protection, which aims to make it more difficult to access your device by requiring Face ID or Touch ID to make certain changes, even if it is stolen by someone who knows the device password. Additionally, Apple has added a new Black Unity wallpaper of doodled blooming flowers on a black background to honor Black culture for Black History Month. There’s also now an ability to share Music playlists with friends. The full release notes for iOS 17.3 are further below.

Separately, Apple has also released macOS Sonoma 14.3 for Mac, along with updates to Apple Watch with watchOS 10.3, tvOS 17.3 for Apple TV, and HomePod.

How to Download & Install iOS 17.3 / iPadOS 17.3 Updates

Before starting any system software update, you should always backup iPhone or iPad to iCloud. Beyond that, installing updates is easy:

1. Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone or iPad
2. Go to “General”
3. Select “Software Update”
4. Choose to “Update Now” for iOS 17.3 / iPadOS 17.3 software update

The iPhone or iPad will install the update and restart to complete installation.

Over-the-air updates like this are the fastest and easiest way to install updates, but technically you can connect an iPhone or iPad to a Mac or PC to install updates there as well.

Advanced users can also perform software updates by using IPSW files, which are firmware files for specific devices and software releases, but that is considered a more advanced process and is completely unnecessary for the majority of users to bother indulging in.

iOS 17.3 IPSW Download Links

• Updating…

iPadOS 17.3 IPSW Download Links

• Updating…

iOS 17.3 Release Notes

Release notes for iOS 17.3 are as follows:

Stolen Device Protection
– Stolen Device Protection increases security of iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions
– Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed

Lock Screen
– New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month

Music
– Collaborate on playlists allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs
– Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist

This update also includes the following improvements:
– AirPlay hotel support lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in select hotels
– AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID
– Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models)

Separately, software updates are available for Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, as macOS Sonoma 14.3, watchOS 10.3, and tvOS 17.3, each available through their respective software update mechanisms.