Apple rolling out second betas of iOS 17.3, macOS 14.3 and more to developers [U: Public betas, iOS 17.3 pulled]

Apple on Wednesday began rolling out the second betas of iOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3 and other software updates to developers. The first betas of these versions were released on December 14, before the holiday break. The company is now resuming the beta program – and we’re about to find out what’s new in today’s updates.

1/4/23: Apple has released the public builds for the second macOS 14.3, watchOS 10.3, and tvOS 17.3 betas. After pulling the iOS 17.3 developer beta 2 we haven’t seen that re-released yet.

iOS 17.3 beta brings Stolen Device Protection and more

iOS 17.3 is a major update. The first beta introduced Stolen Device Protection, which is an “additional layer of security” that protects users’ data in case someone steals their phone and gets their password. When Secure Device Protection is enabled, you can only access saved passwords using Face ID or Touch ID, for example.

This feature also makes it harder for crooks to change the Apple ID password of the owner of that device. There’s also a delay in removing Find My from an iPhone with Secure Device Protection enabled. In addition to this feature, iOS 17.3 also re-enables collaborative Apple Music playlists, now with emoji reactions.

Today’s build number is 21D5036c, compared to the number 21D5026f of the first build. Developers can update their devices by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

It’s worth noting that although iPadOS 17.3 is also available for iPads, Secure Device Protection is an exclusive feature for iPhones at this point.

In addition to iOS 17.3 beta 2, the second betas of macOS 14.3, watchOS 10.3, and tvOS 17.3 are now available to developers. The first beta of these updates had no significant changes apart from potential bug fixes.

The betas should soon be released to users registered in the Apple Beta Software Program as well.

We’ll update our coverage as we dig into the new builds and find what’s new. If you find anything new in today’s updates, let us know in the comments section below or through our social networks, @9to5Mac.

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