Every iPhone user should understand about iOS 17's upcoming anti-robbery feature

Why it subjects: Months after The Wall Street Journal said on iPhone's vulnerability whilst thieves know the device's passcode, Apple has initiated testing a countermeasure. The answer, at the same time as no longer foolproof, introduces an extra layer of safety aimed at preventing iPhone theft from main to identification theft.

Apple's iOS 17.Three beta introduces a new anti-theft feature that locks some features behind Face ID or Touch ID in case a thief discovers the smartphone's passcode. The beta is presently on a public preview stage and is expected to be released in January or February.

Earlier this yr, the Wall Street Journal pronounced on a developing fashion of thieves stealing iPhones after watching or recording the proprietors as they input their passcodes. The thieves can then use the passcodes to unlock almost the entirety at the phone, fast locking customers out of their Apple debts and potentially stealing thousands of greenbacks through Apple Pay, Apple Card, and banking apps.

Click to amplify

The outlet observed up at the story this week by way of interviewing a convicted thief who stole loads of iPhones. He explained that he would befriend human beings in social settings, regularly male college college students in bars, and convince them to liberate their phones beneath the pretense of sharing touch information. After stealing the cellphone, he would trade the Apple ID credentials within mins earlier than siphoning money through bills and promoting the smartphone.

Apple's new function, Stolen Device Protection, seeks to save you this with the aid of locking money and account-related capabilities in the back of Face ID and Touch ID, without permitting passcodes as a fallback. It only turns on when the phone is away from acquainted places like home or paintings.

Theoretically, a thief with the passcode could no longer be able to access iCloud Keychain, observe for an Apple Card, deactivate Lost Mode, set up a brand new tool with the telephone, use charge techniques saved in Safari, or wipe the device. Furthermore, when Stolen Device Protection is engaged, converting credentials or turning off Find My iPhone requires passing biometrics assessments with a one-hour put off in among. While more decided criminals could probably avert the degree, it would deter a thief who grabs the smartphone and runs off with it.

The iOS 17.3 beta additionally resurrects Collaborative Apple Music Playlists, which regarded in the iOS 17.2 beta but did not make it into the public release. The feature permits users to ask pals and own family contributors to signify songs for playlists.

Image credit score: Wall Street Journal