Apple has rolled out a new update for its mobile operating system, iOS 17.3, which introduces a new feature called Stolen Device Protection. This feature aims to prevent thieves from accessing sensitive data or changing settings on stolen iPhones, even if they have the passcode.
Stolen Device Protection is a new layer of security that activates when an iPhone is in an unfamiliar location. It requires the user to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to access saved passwords, change the Apple ID password, or remove Face ID or the device passcode. Additionally, there is a security delay of one hour before these actions can be performed, and another biometric authentication is needed after the delay.
This feature is designed to protect users in the rare cases where a thief can observe the user entering the passcode and then steal the device. Without the user’s biometric information, the thief will not be able to access the user’s data or disable the security featuresiPhone data encryption has long led the industry, and a thief can’t access data on a stolen iPhone without knowing the user’s passcode.
Other changes in iOS 17.3
iOS 17.3 also brings some other improvements and features to the iPhone. These include:
- A new wallpaper that shows a colorful abstract pattern
- Apple Music now lets users collaborate on playlists with their friends and add emoji reactions to any track
- AirPlay now has hotel support, which allows users to stream content directly to the TV in their room in select hotels
- Crash detection has been optimized to alert emergency services and contacts in case of a car accident
The update is available for all supported devices, including the iPhone 6s and later, the iPhone SE (1st and 2nd generation), and the iPod touch (7th generation). Users can download and install the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
How to join the beta program
Apple has not yet released the update to the public, but users who want to test it can join the beta program. The beta program allows users to try out new features and provide feedback to Apple before the official release. To join the beta program, users need to sign up on the [Apple Beta Software Program website] and follow the instructions. Users should back up their data before installing the beta software, as it may contain bugs or errors.