iOS 17.3: This new feature protects your data if your iPhone is stolen

Good news for iPhone owners; it will become less interesting to steal. Apple is adding a new feature to the iPhone called Stolen Device ProtectionThis limits what thieves can do with a stolen phone and passcode. Created after a report by the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern earlier this year, the feature is included in the 17.3 beta version of iOS, which is now available to developers.

Earlier this year, Joanna Stern investigated the rise in iPhone thefts in public places like bars. The tactic often involved observing victims enter their passcode before stealing their iPhone, then immediately changing the Apple ID password using that passcode and locking the victims’ accounts and even iCloud backups. This is exactly what Apple will try to combat.

To start with, your phone will need your face ID Before you or a malicious actor can access passwords stored on your device. However, if your iPhone is in a familiar geographic location, such as your home or office, the security timeout protocol is removed.

The second level of protection offered by Apple’s new feature is a deliberate security delay. If an attacker sees your phone’s passcode and tries to change the Apple ID credentials, Apple will impose a security timeout in the process. In other words, this delay will allow you to find your phone if it is stolen by logging in with your Apple ID on another device and using the Find My network.

What data will be protected thanks to the new functionality?

• View/use passwords or keys saved in iCloud Keychain.
• Request a new Apple Card
• View the Apple Card virtual card
• Disable Lost Mode
• Erase all content and settings
• Perform select Apple Cash and savings transactions in Wallet
• Use payment methods saved in Safari
• Using your iPhone to set up a new device.

• Change your Apple ID password
• Some Apple ID account security settings have been updated, including the addition or removal of a trusted device, trusted phone number, recovery key, or recovery contact.
• Changing your iPhone passcode
• Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
• close Find
• Disable protection against stolen devices

How to enable “Stolen Device Protection”?

iPhone users who update to the iOS 17.3 beta will be asked to test a preview of the feature after installation, but Apple said this screen will not appear for users who install the public version of iOS 17.3, which will arrive later.

• Make sure your iPhone works with: iOS version 17.3.
• Open the Settings app, scroll down and tap. Face ID and Passcode.
• verify yourself by entering the access code.
• Scroll down on the next page and enable option “ protecting stolen devices“.