Apple has unveiled a fresh update for Apple Music subscribers with the release of iOS 17.3, introducing the anticipated ability to create collaborative playlists. With this new tool, Apple Music users can now co-create playlists by inviting friends and family to contribute their musical selections. The addition of emoji reactions adds a playful element to interact with the chosen songs.
The collaborative playlists feature offers a convenient avenue for users to compile and enjoy music together, perfect for setting the vibe for social gatherings or just sharing the latest tunes. The timing of this release arrives on the heels of Spotify's similar feature launch, known as "Jam."
To dive into collaboration, users can go to a playlist and find the “Collaborate” button beside the download option. Invites can be sent out, and recipients will receive a text to join in on the fun. Participants have the freedom to add, remove, and rearrange songs within the playlist.
Although initially slated for release with iOS 17, the feature experienced a delay, making its final debut now in 2024 as promised by Apple.
In addition, Apple Music is expanding the social music experience to car rides with SharePlay integration. When users are listening to tunes in a vehicle via Apple Music, any nearby iPhones will prompt their users with the option to join the session. This feature allows guests to influence the playlist directly from their devices, even without an active Apple Music subscription.
Joining the lineup of new offerings in iOS 17.3 is the Stolen Device Protection utility. This security measure aims to protect user data from unauthorized access in the event that their device is lost or taken. To activate the feature, one would navigate to the settings, enter the "Face ID & Passcode" area, input their device passcode, and enable the protection — a proactive step that must be taken before any unfortunate incident occurs.