DLNews Technology:

Apple has unveiled an innovative feature designed to fortify protection against potential theft to heighten iPhone user security.

This fresh update adds an extra layer of defense for the vast personal data housed on iPhones. Beyond the usual passcode, a numerical sequence used for various functions, such as unlocking the device and accessing sensitive information, the new "Stolen Device Protection" feature introduces additional steps.

A screenshot of Apple's new Stolen Device Protection feature, currently in beta testing.

This feature shields users even if a thief manages to get hold of their passcode. Instead of relying solely on numbers, users will now be prompted to use biometric data—either Face ID (facial scan) or Touch ID (fingerprint)—for data access or making changes.

For more critical actions, like changing an Apple ID password or disabling Find My iPhone, users must provide biometric data and wait for a one-hour security delay before making the changes.

An Apple spokesperson emphasized the company's dedication to developing robust protections for users and their data in the face of evolving threats. The Stolen Device Protection feature adds an advanced layer of security, especially in scenarios where a thief may witness the user entering the passcode and subsequently steal the device.

These heightened security measures activate only when a user is away from familiar locations like home or work, with the device automatically learning and storing these locations.

While currently accessible to beta testers, the feature will become available to all iPhone users through an upcoming software update, providing an optional and enhanced security layer for users to opt into.