The loss of an iPhone to a thief is frustrating, especially if they have your passcode, allowing them to lock you out of iCloud photos and access other accounts. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple is testing a new feature called Stolen Device Protection to address this issue.
Enabling this feature will provide added protection to sensitive data on your iPhone. For instance, if the device detects that the user is in an unfamiliar location, biometrics such as face or touch ID will be required to access Apple ID accounts. Additionally, there will be a one-hour delay before biometrics are required again to access Apple ID. This same method will also be used to prevent thieves from turning off the Find My feature on the smartphone.
Beta testers have reportedly received the Stolen Device Protection feature, but it must be activated by the iPhone owner. However, it does not protect Apple Pay transactions in the event of a stolen iPhone, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
In September, Apple introduced the iPhone 15 lineup, highlighting the gaming capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro, which supports popular games such as Resident Evil 4 remake, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Death Stranding.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I'm thrilled to hear about Apple's exploration of a theft-protection feature for iPhones. The prospect of having an additional layer of security to safeguard my personal data and accounts brings me peace of mind. The requirement for biometrics, such as face or touch ID, when in an unfamiliar location adds an extra level of protection against unauthorized access. The one-hour delay before biometrics are required again is a thoughtful measure to deter potential thieves from exploiting any vulnerabilities.
However, I'm slightly disappointed that the Stolen Device Protection feature doesn't extend to Apple Pay transactions. Given the prevalence of mobile payments, it would be beneficial to have comprehensive protection for all aspects of iPhone usage. Nevertheless, I appreciate Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance the security and privacy of its devices, and I look forward to seeing this feature implemented in future iOS updates.