Apple Is Making Life Difficult For Thieves Trying To Break Into Your iPhone. Here's Why
Your biometric authentication is your new weapon.
By Tharshini Skovalan — 15 Dec 2023, 04:44 PM
Apple set to introduce a new feature called Stolen Device Protection next year
This feature adds an extra layer of security in the event of theft, making it more difficult for perpetrators to break into your iPhone and access your private data.
The feature will be available in January or February 2024, coinciding with the iOS 17.3 upgrade.
When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, perpetrators will require Face ID or Touch ID authentication to unlock your iPhone
Authentication is required for actions such as viewing passwords in iCloud Keychain, disabling Lost Mode, erasing all content and settings, using saved payment methods in Safari, and setting up a new device using your iPhone.
It's important to note that without biometric authentication, your passcode won't be available as a backup.
There are also extra-sensitive actions that have a one-hour security delay when the feature is turned on
All these actions require Face ID or Touch ID authentication:
- Changing your Apple ID password.
- Updating select Apple ID account security setting.
- Changing your iPhone passcode.
- Adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID.
- Turning off Find My.
- Turning off Stolen Device Protection.
