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Security → Neutral

Is Your iPhone Protected? New Apple Data Shows 23% Of Users Missing Vital Security Feature

iPhone theft is a serious problem, but dangers are mitigated if Stolen Device Protection is turned on. Here’s why it’s not activated for everyone.

Forbes 2 min read 7/10
Is Your iPhone Protected? New Apple Data Shows 23% Of Users Missing Vital Security Feature
Key Takeaways
  • 23% of iPhone users have not enabled Stolen Device Protection, according to Apple data from June 2026.
  • The feature was introduced in iOS 17.3 in January 2024 after a rise in iPhone thefts where thieves watched passcodes.
  • Stolen Device Protection requires biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) for sensitive actions like changing the Apple ID password or disabling Find My iPhone.
  • 77% of users have adopted the feature, but the remaining 23% represent millions of vulnerable iPhones globally.
  • Enabling the feature takes only a few steps in Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection.
Nearly a quarter of iPhone users are leaving their devices exposed to theft by not enabling a critical security feature. New data from Apple reveals that 23% of iPhone users have not activated Stolen Device Protection, a feature designed to prevent thieves from wiping devices and accessing sensitive data. The data, shared by Apple in June 2026, shows that adoption has reached 77% since the feature launched in iOS 17.3 in January 2024. Stolen Device Protection requires Face ID or Touch ID for actions like changing the Apple ID password or turning off Find My iPhone, thwarting thieves who watch passcodes before stealing phones. The feature was introduced after a surge in such thefts, particularly in public places like bars and cafes. However, the 23% gap highlights a significant security blind spot. Forgetting to enable Stolen Device Protection can leave users vulnerable to losing their personal data, photos, and even financial accounts. Security experts urge users to check their settings immediately. Apple may need to consider stronger nudges or automatic activation in future updates to close this gap. The company is also working on other theft deterrents like device repairability requirements. For now, the onus remains on users to protect themselves. Enabling iPhone Stolen Device Protection takes just a few seconds in Settings and could mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major data breach.

Frequently Asked Questions

iPhone Stolen Device Protection is a security feature introduced in iOS 17.3 that adds extra biometric authentication requirements for sensitive actions, such as changing the Apple ID password or disabling Find My iPhone, when the device is away from familiar locations like home or work. It is designed to protect users in case their iPhone is stolen and the thief knows their passcode.

To enable Stolen Device Protection, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle on Stolen Device Protection under the 'Protection' section. You must have at least one passcode-enabled Face ID or Touch ID device. The feature is available on iPhone XS and later models running iOS 17.3 or newer.

Reasons vary: some users may be unaware the feature exists, others may find the additional prompts inconvenient, and a small percentage may have older devices not compatible with the feature. Apple's data from June 2026 shows that awareness and habit are the main barriers, as the feature is not enabled by default.

If Stolen Device Protection is off and a thief has your passcode (e.g., by watching you type it), they can instantly change your Apple ID password, turn off Find My iPhone, remove Face ID, and access iCloud data. This gives them full control of your device and account, potentially leading to financial loss and identity theft.

No, Stolen Device Protection requires a device with Face ID or Touch ID and iOS 17.3 or later. Compatible models include iPhone XS, XR, and newer (for Face ID) and iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer (for Touch ID). Older models like iPhone 8 or earlier do not support the feature.

Topics

iPhone Stolen Device Protection Apple security iPhone theft iOS 17.3 Apple data user adoption cybersecurity

Original source

www.forbes.com

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