While iOS 17.2 has been available since the beginning of the week, Apple has deployed a first beta of the next iPhone update: iOS 17.3. One of the main new features is a feature called Device Theft Protection.
iPhone theft, a thing of the past with iOS 17.3?
At the start of the year, the Wall Street Journal mentioned a new method used to steal iPhones in public places: the thug watches the person enter their password before carrying out their crime.
By capturing this simple information, thieves are able to easily access the personal data of the device, but above all to change the password of the Apple account and deactivate the Find function. Thus, victims no longer have any possibility of locating or blocking the stolen iPhone.
To remedy this problem, Apple implemented the Device Theft Protection feature with iOS 17.3 (currently in beta). Once activated, certain actions will necessarily require the use of Face ID or Touch ID.
This ranges from managing iCloud Keychain, using payment methods saved in Safari, deleting all content and settings, turning off Lost Mode, and using your iPhone to set up another one. .
But that’s not all. iOS 17.3 adds a one-hour security delay to validate changes to sensitive settings on iPhone. This includes changing your Apple ID password and security settings, changing your passcode or Touch/Face ID settings, and turning off Find My and Lost Mode.
Thanks to this delay, victims of theft will have time to access their Apple account to reverse any changes and report the iPhone as lost.
To take advantage of this new security feature on your iPhone, you will need:
- Install the iOS 17.3 beta;
- Access Settings;
- Open the Face ID and passcode or Touch ID and passcode section;
- Enable Protection in case the device is stolen.