Apple recently introduced a new iPhone feature called Stolen Device Protection, which aims to prevent thieves from using stolen phones and passwords for malicious purposes. This feature is based on a report by Wall Street reporter Joanna Stern earlier this year and is now available in iOS 173 beta versions for developers to test and give feedback. It allows users to effectively lock stolen devices and protect their data and privacy by combining factors such as location, biometric scanning, and time delays.
According to Bismuth Reader, the stolen device protection feature targets a common iPhone theft tactic, in which thieves observe users entering passwords in public places, and then quickly snatch the phone and run away. In this case, if the user doesn't take action in time, the thieves can use the password to reset the user's Apple ID password, turn off the Find My feature, add a recovery key, and factory reset the phone for easy resale or use.
For example, if Stolen Device Protection isn't turned on, an iPhone thief with your passcode can use it to change your Apple ID password, permanently locking you out of your device. This allows the thief to easily turn off the Find My feature, which is necessary to wipe the original user data on the device. The thieves can then ** the device for full use, rather than dealing with it as a useless iCloud-locked brick for a low price.
However, if the feature is turned on, the phone will ask for a Face ID or Touch ID scan when the user is away from a familiar location, such as home or work. Also, there is a time delay of one hour before you can change the Apple ID password on your device. After an hour, it will still ask for a Face ID or Touch ID scan before changing the Apple ID password from your iPhone. This greatly increases the difficulty and risk of thieves, while also giving users enough time to report iPhone theft and stop criminals from further violating their rights.
The Stolen Device Protection feature works similarly to Apple's other security settings. Adding a recovery key or updating your account's trusted** number is also a common way for iPhone thieves to lock down the original owner. When the new feature is turned on, your phone will ask for two biometric scans every hour when you're away from a trusted location.
Similarly, iCloud Keychain passwords (Apple's built-in password manager) will also require a Face ID or Touch ID scan. When Stolen Device Protection is turned on, passwords are no longer an alternative to failed biometric scans.
According to Wall Street**, Apple plans to release it on iOS 173 is recommended to users to enable this feature. Since Apple only released the first beta version of the update today, regular users may have to wait a few more weeks to experience this new feature.