Apple releases iOS 17.3 update, adds Stolen Device Protection

If you enable the feature away from a familiar location, then you will have to wait an hour before you can turn it off. (Representational Image)

Apple has released a new iOS 17.3 update for the iPhone that adds a new security feature that will make it difficult for thieves to completely take over your iPhone.

The feature called Stolen Device Protection adds a FaceID or TouchID layer permission for access to certain actions such as accessing saved passwords or turning off lost mode. In addition to this, resetting account passwords will now entail an hour's worth of wait time along with authentication via FaceID or TouchID.

Apple says that this is only applicable when you are resetting passwords when you're away from familiar locations such as home or work. The company says this is designed to prevent access to critical phone functions, giving you enough time to make the phone as stolen and track it down.

To turn on the new feature, head to Settings and then tap on FaceID and Passcode. Enter your code for authentication and then look for Stolen Device Protection and turn it on.

If you enable the feature away from a familiar location, then you will have to wait an hour before you can turn it off. Apple recommends that you turn off the feature when you sell or trade your phone.