Apple launches new anti-theft features for iPhone; See how it works

a apple Testing began on Wednesday (13) for A New anti-theft feature From iPhone. This function is supposed to be available in version 17.3 of the iOS operating system, in the first quarter of 2024. With the new tool, criminals’ access to confidential data stored on smartphones should become more difficult. However, the launch date of the feature has not been announced yet.

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The feature, called Device Theft Protection, requires the use of biometric unlock (either face or fingerprint) in situations where the user is away from home that Apple considers critical. To use the function, you will need to manually activate it once it becomes available.

“In the rare case that a thief watches a user enter their password and then steals the device, our feature adds a new layer of protection,” Apple said in a statement.

How will Apple’s new security feature work?

Apple intends to prevent changing some jobs on the street, without verifying the fingerprint or face of the device owner. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to use Face ID (face) or Touch ID (finger) to perform the following tasks:

• View or use passwords saved on your device (iCloud Keychain);
• Register a new Apple Card;
• View virtual Apple Card;
• Turn off lost mode;
• Delete content and settings;
• Make changes to Apple Cash accounts in Wallet;
• Use payment methods stored in Safari;
• Use your iPhone to set up a new device.

This way, users will no longer be able to use a numeric or alphanumeric password for these functions when they are away from home. The update comes after an increase in thefts in Brazil and the United States, where devices were stolen from their owners with the screen unlocked.

Apple is creating a new security layer for operations

In addition to the new function mentioned above, Apple has also created a second security bed for the most important smartphone operations. In these cases, the user will have to undergo biometric authentication and wait up to an hour to make the requested change.

This new feature includes the following functions:

• Turn off the search application;
• Turn off the stolen device protection feature;
• Change your Apple ID password;
• Change your iPhone’s numeric or alphanumeric password;
• Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID;
• Update your Apple ID security settings (which include the option to add or remove a family device, add or remove a trusted phone, change your recovery key, and change a trusted contact).

Finally, the new security tools will be made available to all devices capable of receiving iOS 17.