Apple is testing the feature after the Wall Street Journal reported on scammers who gain control of iPhones and drain bank accounts in minutes with only the smartphone’s passcode.
Having a device stolen is stressful, especially if the thief has your smartphone passcode. On the iPhone, that gives scammers easy access to iCloud settings and the ability to change an Apple ID password and access sensitive apps like those used for banking.
An upcoming iOS 17 update is intended to make it harder for thieves to make those changes, The Wall Street Journal reports. A new feature, dubbed Stolen Device Protection, will require extra work for a stranger to access your most personal data.
Once the setting is enabled, your phone will lock down certain settings unless you’re in a familiar location, like home or at work, the Journal says.
