In iOS 17.3, Apple rolls out new stolen device protection feature

Protect your iPhone with this new stolen device protection feature | Photo by Frederik Lipfert on Unsplash

In this new iPhone protection feature, you don’t have to worry too much about your phone going missing or being stolen.

In a bid to fortify the security of its users, Apple has introduced the Stolen Device Protection feature in the latest iOS 17.3 update. This security enhancement is designed to thwart potential thieves from gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on iPhones, particularly within iCloud and other personal accounts.

According to the latest update, additional security requirements are implemented when the phone is away from familiar locations. Users are now required to use either Face ID or Touch ID for specific actions.

Specific actions that necessitate these additional authentication measures include accessing stored passwords and credit cards, “with no passcode alternative or fallback.”

Additionally, a security delay is implemented for certain security actions, such as changing the Apple ID password, requiring users to wait for an hour and perform a second Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that the user performing the task is really you. 

“When your iPhone is in a familiar location, these additional steps are not required, and you can use your device passcode as usual,” Apple elaborated. “Familiar locations typically include your home, work, and other specific places where you regularly use your iPhone.”

To activate the Stolen Device Protection feature, users can navigate to the Settings app, select Face ID & Passcode, enter their device passcode, and toggle the feature on.