Apple Music’s collaborative playlist feature, promised for iOS 17, has been delayed. While the iOS 17.2 update arrived yesterday, it didn’t bring the new functionality. However, a new twist in the story has emerged: the feature is back in the iOS 17.3 beta, offering hope for a 2024 launch.

Initially tested and then pulled from the latest iOS 17.2 beta builds, the feature’s absence sparked speculation about potential bugs. However, the return of collaboration in the iOS 17.3 beta suggests the issue may have been resolved.

Creating a collaborative playlist involves a simple “Collaborate” option. Once enabled, a shareable link is generated, allowing anyone with the link to add songs to the playlist. You can choose to approve each contributor, adding a layer of control over the playlist’s content.

While this functionality might seem straightforward, it’s worth noting that collaboration is not mandatory. You can simply share a playlist without enabling collaborative editing, making it a versatile tool for sharing musical tastes without relinquishing control entirely.

An official launch date remains unconfirmed, but the inclusion of collaborative playlists in the iOS 17.3 beta aligns with the anticipated release timeline. With testing already underway, we can reasonably expect the feature to arrive sometime in early 2024.

In the meantime, Apple Music users can take solace in the newly added “Favorites” playlist, which automatically aggregates all their favorite songs. This addition, while not directly linked to collaborative features, offers a convenient way to access a personalized collection of beloved tunes.