Apple adds new Stolen Device Protection feature with iOS 17.3 beta. What is it and how does it work?

Apple Inc. is adding a feature to iPhones to prevent thieves from gaining access to critical device data in the event that they know a user’s passcode. Apple has announced the new Stolen Device Protection feature with the iOS 17.3 beta, which will be available for developers to download from today. {{^adFree}} {{/adFree}} Apple appears to have developed the Stolen Device Protection feature in response to some reports from the Wall Street Journal earlier this year, which noted that thieves were taking advantage of Apple's software vulnerability that allowed interlopers to change a user's Apple ID password seconds after stealing their iPhone. Stolen Device Protection is an opt-in feature that can be turned on by navigating to Face ID and Passcode in the Settings menu in iOS 17.3 Beta. {{^adFree}} {{/adFree}} After enabling Stolen Device Protection on their iPhone, users will need to enter their Face ID or Touch ID to perform tasks such as viewing passwords stored in iCloud Keychain, applying for a new Apple Card, turning off Lost Mode, resetting their device to factory settings, using stored payment information stored in Safari, and more.