In the recent release of iOS 17.3, Apple introduced several highly anticipated features, including Collaborative Apple Music Playlists and AirPlay hotel support. One standout addition was the Stolen Device Protection, designed to enhance security measures against unauthorized access when a device is lost or stolen. However, a closer look reveals potential vulnerabilities in this safeguard.
The Stolen Device Protection feature aims to thwart malicious actors with access to your passcode from executing critical actions, such as changing your Apple ID password. This, in turn, prevents them from hindering your ability to track or mark the device as stolen. With the feature activated, critical operations outside recognized locations demand additional security measures, like biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) or a Security Delay, requiring biometric verification again after an hour.
While this approach seems foolproof in theory, determining what qualifies as a “familiar” location becomes a pivotal question. Apple employs the frequency of visits to identify significant locations. This reliance on visit frequency can pose security risks, especially in places considered less secure, such as your local grocery store, bar, or cafe. As a result, any of these locations might be flagged as significant.
To check your significant locations, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations. Upon inspection, it’s not uncommon to find numerous records. For instance, one might discover 197 significant locations between December 4, 2023, and January 28, 2024, including a pizzeria visited just yesterday and a nearby deli never entered.
For users finding this excessive, the good news is that you can disable Significant Locations by following the provided instructions. However, it’s essential to recognize that turning off this feature means your phone will prompt Face ID for critical operations even in genuinely familiar locations like your home. Consequently, if you prefer not to rely on biometric verification in your frequented places, this might not be the ideal solution.
In conclusion, while the iOS 17.3 update brings exciting features, users should be aware of the implications and customize settings according to their security preferences. The balance between convenience and protection remains a crucial consideration for users navigating these new security measures.
