Improved theft protection on iPhone to be active by default
With "Stolen Device Mode", it should no longer be so easy for crooks to take over Apple accounts using the device PIN. For a long time, this was only optional.
iPhone theft (symbolic image).
(Image: Shutterstock / Donenko Oleksii)
In the future, every iPhone is to be equipped with Apple's improved theft protection ex works. The so-called Stolen Device Mode makes it more difficult for crooks to take over Apple accounts in a few steps by stealing the smartphone and having previously obtained the device PIN – for example, by observing the victim. This protection has actually been integrated into iOS since operating system version 17.3 from January 2024. However, users had to explicitly activate it until now. Apple is taking this off the users' hands from iOS 26.4 onwards, as shown in the first beta version of the new operating system, which has been available for developers since this week and will also be rolled out to participants of the Public Beta Program in the coming days.
Takeover of entire accounts
According to Apple, the Stolen Device Mode, also called “Stolen Device Protection”, will now be activated for all iPhone users if they install the update. This is quite sensible. Apple had implemented the feature after there were increasing reports of stolen users who not only lost their Apple smartphone but also their entire digital Apple account existence – sometimes including banking access. The reason: Anyone in possession of the iPhone could take over the account with just the PIN, without knowing the password. Apple had implemented this to allow easier access in case of forgotten passwords.
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With Stolen Device Mode active, this will now be made more difficult for thieves. For sensitive iPhone actions, an additional biometric feature – i.e. facial recognition (Face ID) or fingerprint (Touch ID) – will be required to make changes. This includes accessing the password app, disabling Lost Mode, erasing the device, and various financial functions related to Apple Wallet.
Delay makes iPhone safer
In addition – and this is more important – there is a one-hour delay and two additional biometric authentications when performing Apple account functions. This includes changing the password, deleting stored phone numbers and recovery keys, disabling “Find My”, or turning off Stolen Device Mode.
However, the function has a drawback: at familiar locations (Apple term: “important locations”), this delay does not apply. However, it is possible to disable this convenience feature – which may be advisable if you fear that the iPhone could be stolen from your home (or office) and unlocked there. It is still unclear when iOS 26.4 will be released. Otherwise, the theft protection is activated manually via the security settings.
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