Apple is adding a new feature to the iPhone to prevent thieves from getting their hands on important data from the phone without knowing the user's password.
Apple has released iOS 173, which includes a new Stolen Device Protection feature. When iPhone users view their stored passwords, change their Apple ID settings, view payment information, and disable Find My iPhone, this new feature will require the use of Face ID or Touch ID, not a passcode.
In some cases, thieves can know the iPhone passcode and access the personal data on that phone. For example, before stealing the device, a thief may beforehand peek at a public place as the user enters the passcode on the iPhone.
The new feature creates a second layer of security, making it more difficult for thieves to use passwords to access someone else's iPhone.
In particular, the new feature will make it harder for thieves to erase data on your iPhone and resell it.
Apple didn't say when the new feature will be available to all users, but said it plans to publicly release iOS 17 early next year3。
An Apple spokesperson said in a statement that "as threats to users' devices continue to evolve, we are working tirelessly to develop robust new protections for our users and their data," emphasizing that the new feature "adds a sophisticated new layer of protection."