Apple's New Stolen Device Protection Aims to Thwart iPhone Thieves

The latest iOS update introduces additional security measures, reducing reliance on passcodes and enhancing biometric features.

Apple has introduced a new feature called Stolen Device Protection in its latest iOS update, version 17.3, which is designed to make it harder for thieves to access key functions and settings on stolen iPhones.
The feature keeps track of a user's 'familiar locations' and adds extra biometric security measures if someone tries to use the device away from those places.
Stolen Device Protection reduces the importance of passcodes, which can be stolen, in favor of biometric features such as faces or fingerprints that are harder to duplicate.
If a thief tries to erase the contents and settings of a stolen iPhone with Stolen Device Protection turned on, the phone will require a Face ID or Touch ID scan to verify the person is the rightful owner.
Stolen Device Protection is applicable to iPhone XS and newer models, including second- and third-generation SE models.