Apple is expected to include a new security feature in iOS 17.3 next week called Stolen Device Protection that will make it much more difficult for would-be phone thieves to steal your Apple ID and any financial information stored on the device. Currently, a lock screen passcode is enough to access or change sensitive personal and financial data, but with the update, thieves will need to use Face ID or Touch ID, and may have to wait up to an hour to make certain changes. Although Apple has not specifically announced when this feature will appear, it has been testing it in beta 17.3 since December.
The new security feature addresses a major vulnerability that was disclosed in February 2023 Wall Street Journal Report: By memorizing the iPhone lock screen passcode, thieves can easily lock their victims’ Apple ID, whose password can be reset using the same passcode.
If you decide to turn on Stolen Device Protection, you’ll have to use Face ID or Touch ID to do things like apply for a new Apple Card, wipe the entire phone, or access iCloud Keychain. If you want to do something like change your Apple ID password, add another face or fingerprint for biometric authentication, or turn off Find My, you must wait an hour after authenticating with your face or fingerprint, and then re-authenticating with Face ID. Or Touch ID again to make these changes, unless you’re in a location you visit frequently like home or work, where there won’t be any delay.
The iOS 17.3 build candidate is out now, which means you can try out the update before it officially launches next week.
Updated January 17, 1:41 PM ET: Added details about the feature that allows iPhones to stream content to hotel room TVs via AirPlay and about the availability of the release candidate.