iOS 17.3 is out, and it comes with a new security feature that’s supposed to prevent thieves from taking your iPhone and quickly taking over access to anything stored in iCloud as well as other important accounts like your bank or email. Instead of relying on your lock screen passcode for security (as thieves have learned to trick people into entering it in front of them before they take off with the phone), Stolen Device Protection requires you to scan your fingerprint or use Face ID when performing certain actions, such as viewing saved passwords or applying for a new Apple Card.
Image: Wes Davis
The feature also introduces a waiting period when performing more sensitive actions, such as changing your Apple ID password or your iPhone passcode. In the iOS 17.3 update note, Apple says, “Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication” before you can complete the process, ensuring the person who’s performing this action is actually you. Your iPhone will only require this extra layer of authentication when you’re away from “familiar locations such as home or work,” according to Apple.
To turn on Stolen Device Protection, head to the Settings app and select Face ID & Passcode. From there, enter your device passcode and toggle the feature on. You can learn more about Stolen Device Protection from Apple’s website.
Additionally, Apple is bringing collaborative playlists to both iOS 17.3 and macOS 14.3 Sonoma, which lets your friends join and contribute to playlists in the Apple Music app. Apple is introducing the ability to stream content to TVs in select hotels in iOS 17.3 as well. Aside from iOS 17.3, Apple also pushed updates for iOS 9, 15, and 16 devices that may contain security fixes.
Update January 22nd, 1:44PM ET: Added older iOS version updates.
Update January 22nd, 3:13PM ET: Added information from Apple’s support page.
