Apple releases iOS 17.3 with Stolen Device Protection: Today is a significant day for Apple system upgrades: in addition to the more subdued watchOS 10.3 and macOS Sonoma 14.3 updates, the firm also published iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3. There isn’t much to this iOS update, so don’t expect anything really groundbreaking. However, a brand-new feature known as “Stolen Device Protection” is available. This is to prevent the criminals from accessing your personal data, not to find a stolen iPhone or iPad.
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Stolen Device Protection is a software update for iPhones and iPads that requires a one-hour security delay before changing passcodes in unfamiliar locations. It also includes collaborative playlists, AirPlay hotel support, optimized crash detection, and new Black History Month wallpapers.
To enable this feature, after installing the update, you will need to go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone and turn on Stolen Device Protection. Once enabled, whenever your device is away from your home or office, Face ID or Touch ID will be required to perform certain actions. Certain sensitive operations such as changing the passcode to a device or changing Face ID, or replacing an Apple ID password will require a feature called Security Delay.
How do I turn on Stolen Device Protection?
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.
3. Scroll down the menu until you see Stolen Device Protection.
- iOS 17 requires 2018 iPhone Xs, Xs Max, or XR, iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, iPhone SE second- and third-generation models, and iPadOS 17.3, eligible for iPad Mini, iPad Air, and Pro models. Check system settings for available downloads.
- You’ll find the option to turn on Stolen Device Protection in the Settings menu, under “Face ID & Passcode.” It’s really just as simple as scrolling down and tapping “Stolen Device Protection,” and watching the “Off” label turn to “On.” There is no other setup required.
There is a new security update for Apple available to protect against criminals.
- Apple’s major iPhone security update is now available to download, designed to keep thieves from accessing users’ vast personal data stored on the devices, the company announced Monday.
- The “Stolen Device Protection” update adds an extra layer of protection by creating additional steps to access information. It is available with Monday’s iOS 17.3 update.
- You can turn it on by updating your iPhone and scrolling down to Face ID & Passcode in your settings. You will be prompted to type in your passcode, and then you can scroll down to Stolen Device Protection and turn it on.
- To use Stolen Device Protection, you must have two-factor authentication and “Find My” enabled for your Apple ID account.
- Before the update, iPhone users could view highly sensitive information (from credit card information to every stored password) and make major changes to their phone’s settings with just a passcode – typically a four or six-digit number.
- With Stolen Device Protection, users will be asked to enter biometric data via Face ID (face scan) or Touch ID (fingerprint) to access data or make changes.
What to know about Stolen Device Protection
Here are some of the things Apple said you’ll need to enter your biometric information for in order to change or access when you’re in an unfamiliar location:
- Using passwords or passkeys saved in your Keychain.
- Using payment methods saved in Safari that autofill.
- Turning off Lost Mode.
- Erasing all content and settings on your iPhone.
- Applying for a new Apple Card.
- Viewing your Apple Card’s virtual number.
- Taking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in your Wallet, like initiating a transfer.
- Using your iPhone to set up a new device.
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