Apple’s beta iOS 17.3 adds Stolen Device Protection to thwart passcode-knowing thieves
- The enhancement will require Face ID or Touch ID when accessing personal data like stored passwords and payment information
- The feature, aimed at thwarting thieves who know a device’s passcode, will make it harder for them to wipe a stolen iPhone and resell it
On Tuesday, the company released the first beta-test version of iOS 17.3, which includes a new Stolen Device Protection feature.
The enhancement will require Face ID or Touch ID – with no option to use a passcode – when accessing stored passwords, changing Apple ID settings, looking at payment information and disabling Find My iPhone.
In some cases, thieves have been able to access personal data on iPhones, steal money and upend a person’s digital life by knowing the device passcode. For instance, a thief could watch users input their passcode into their iPhone in a public place before stealing the device.
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By requiring Face ID or Touch ID for accessing critical parts of the iPhone, a thief would not be able to cause as much damage. In particular, it would be harder to wipe the device and resell it. Apple did not say when the new feature will roll out to all customers, but the company is planning to release iOS 17.3 publicly early next year.