Apple's 'Stolen Device Protection' Feature in iOS 17.3 Has a Flaw, Fix Coming in iOS 17.4 Update

The feature's flaw lies in its determination of 'familiar' locations, potentially including less secure places. The upcoming iOS 17.4 update will allow users to always require a 1-hour security delay, even at familiar locations.

Apple's iOS 17.3 update introduced a new feature called 'Stolen Device Protection' designed to prevent unauthorized actions on stolen iPhones, even if the thief has the passcode.
The feature requires biometric authentication for specific actions and introduces a 'Security Delay' of one hour between two successful Face ID or Touch ID authentications if the iPhone is not at a familiar location.
A flaw in the feature was identified where the iPhone determines 'familiar' locations based on frequency of visits, potentially including less secure places like bars or cafes.
A temporary fix for this flaw in iOS 17.3 is to disable 'Significant Locations' in the settings, which will require biometric authentication for critical operations even at familiar locations.
The upcoming iOS 17.4 update is set to address this flaw by allowing users to always require a 1-hour security delay, even at familiar locations, without having to disable 'Significant Locations'.