iOS 17.3: It will cancel thieves' attempts to use stolen iPhones

December 13, 2023

The first beta version of iOS 17.3 is now available for developers and includes an innovative feature, "Stolen Device Protection". This feature is designed to add an extra layer of security in the event of an iPhone theft if the perpetrator is aware of the password.

According to reports in the Wall Street Journal, during the year, there have been incidents of thieves spying on a victim's iPhone password before they even steal the device, especially in public places such as bars and cafes.

To date, thieves have been able to reset the Apple ID password, disable Find My, view passwords stored in iCloud Keychain for bank accounts and email, and more. The thieves reportedly had the ability to "steal the victim's entire digital life".

The new function seems to address this issue. When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, authentication via Face ID or Touch ID is required for various actions, including viewing passwords or passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain. There is no alternative password, ensuring users have full control over their security.

For highly sensitive actions, such as changing the Apple ID password associated with the iPhone, the feature adds a security hold over biometric verification. This offers the owner time to report the theft. In known locations, such as home or office, there is no delay.

The activation of Stolen Device Protection is done from the Face ID & Passcode settings in Settings. Users updating to iOS 17.3 beta can try this feature, although the preview screen will not appear to those who install the public version of iOS 17.3 in the future.

Important actions that require Face ID or Touch ID authentication when the feature is enabled include viewing/using passwords, applying for a new Apple Card, viewing a virtual Apple Card, turning off Lost Mode, deleting content and settings, and others.

Apple has announced that it intends to provide further updates on the stolen device protection feature. This option will be available for all compatible iPhone models with iOS 17, including iPhone XS and later. It is expected that iOS 17.3 will be available to the general public in January or February.