Apple could release iOS 17.3.1 somewhere this month

Last month, Apple rolled out iOS 17.3 for iPhone users and there might be iOS 17.3.1 coming soon ahead of next month’s major EU-specific changes.

Macrumors reported that iOS 17.3.1 appeared as a test build, but there’s a good chance that this build will be published for iPhones. The update is likely to bring bug and security fixes and could rollout somewhere this month.

iOS 17.3 introduced the headliner “Stolen Device Protection” feature to enable maximum security if a device gets stolen. The feature applies a layer of authentication over all of the saved passwords and bank credentials to deny unauthorized access.

Once enabled, iPhone and Apple ID will require Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions such as accessing the saved passwords.

The update also brings new unity wallpapers to celebrate Black History Month. It has new collaborative playlists that enable users to share the playlist access with friends and family to add, reorder, and remove songs.

Last week, Apple stopped signing iOS 17.2.1 software to halt downgrades from iOS 17.3. Aside from this, the Cupertino-based tech company is now preparing for a major turnover of the Apple app ecosystem in Europe.

iOS 17.4

Apple is about to open third-party app access in iPhones for European customers. This will allow users to sideload iPhone apps from other sources than the App Store.

The latest change will rollout with iOS 17.4 in March this year but this major shift will be exclusive to European iPhone users.