New features on iOS 17.3 beta make iPhone thieves 'cry'

In the iOS 17.3 beta 1 update, Apple added a new feature called Stolen Device Protection (protects the device when stolen) to make it more difficult for thieves to get hold of stolen devices, even when stolen. They have the password to open the device.

The Stolen Device Protection feature works by combining location, biometric scanning and time delay, making it difficult for thieves, even if they get the passcode to unlock the iPhone, and giving users more time. time to search for a stolen iPhone.

Specifically, if in locations other than the device owner's home, office, etc., the thief who changes the Apple ID password will be asked to wait an hour before being allowed to perform the above operation. After 1 hour, before changing the Apple ID password, the device will continue to request Touch ID/Face ID.

Similarly, the iPhone will also require re-authentication using Touch ID/Face ID when the thief performs operations such as viewing passwords in iCloud Keychain, turning off lost mode, restoring factory settings, etc.

If Stolen Device Protection is not enabled, resetting the Apple ID password, turning off Find My and restoring factory settings is not too difficult for thieves.

How to enable Stolen Device Protection feature

Currently Stolen Device Protection is only available on iOS 17.3 beta version, so to use this feature users must download this version.

When the update is complete, users just need to go to Settings -> Face ID and Passcode -> activate the Stolen Device Protection option.

However, this is only an update for developers, so there will certainly be errors during use. Therefore, to minimize risks, users should back up all data before updating.

Micah Soto

Update 14 December 2023