Apple’s iOS 17.3 has suddenly arrived—and it’s the biggest iPhone upgrade for some time. The iOS 17.3 update includes a bunch of brilliant new features, as well as some major security fixes that you should apply to your iPhone now.
Without a doubt, the best new feature in iOS 17.3 is Stolen Device Protection—a game-changing upgrade that stops thieves from accessing your data if they get hold of your iPhone.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new iOS 17.3 feature including how to enable it now.
What Is Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3?
The new Stolen Device Protection capability comes after a Wall Street Journal report found thieves were able to access people’s iPhones after watching them input their passcodes when out and about. The consequences of this sort of attack would be devastating: Not only would criminals have access to your iPhone; they’d also be able to access your data including banking details and email, as well as all the passwords for these.
In true Apple style, the iPhone maker has launched a feature in iOS 17.3 to combat this. With Stolen Device Protection enabled, iPhone users can automatically protect their data with either Face ID or Touch ID. This stops adversaries from turning off Lost Mode, changing your Apple ID—which will also incur an hour’s delay if you are away from home—and accessing your passwords.
How Do I Use Stolen Device Protection In iOS 17.3?
First things first—Stolen Device Protection is not automatically enabled, so you need to turn it on in your Settings. The iOS 17.3 feature doesn’t affect your iPhone’s functionality, so there’s really no reason not to enable it.
Once you’ve upgraded to iOS 17.3, go to your iPhone’s Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap Turn On Protection. Simple.
Why You Should Update To iOS 17.3 Now
Stolen Device Protection is the headline feature in iOS 17.3, but there are also many other reasons to upgrade. The first is security, because Apple has issued patches for 16 flaws, one of which is a WebKit bug already being used to attack iPhones.
Apple no longer supports newer devices with iOS 16 security updates either, so if you are putting yourself at risk if you don’t upgrade to iOS 17 as soon as possible.
And iOS 17.3 also includes cool new features such as Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music.
What are you waiting for? Go to Your Settings > General > Software Update and download and install iOS 17.3 now.
