Apple has made good on its promise to add Stolen Device Protection to iOS 17.3, allowing users concerned about iPhone passcode and snatch-and-run theft to require biometric authentication and sometimes a delay to carry out critical security and financial actions. We look at what it does and doesn’t protect, how to turn it on, and who can’t use it.

For additional background and color surrounding the Wall Street Journal’s reporting on iPhone passcode thefts, watch Joanna Stern’s interview with a convicted thief.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple will introduce a new feature, Stolen Device Protection, to deter the kind of significant digital damage that iPhone passcode thieves have inflicted on victims.

Many people find themselves helping older friends or family members with reduced physical or cognitive capabilities. Adam Engst distills advice from a pair of TidBITS Talk discussions that asked about the best iPhone and simplifying the iPhone experience for older people.

If you’re unable to turn on Unlock with Apple Watch on your new iPhone 13, you’re not alone. Apple promises a fix in an upcoming software update.

Apple has published a description of its Secure Intent technology that explains how you can securely log in and confirm purchases without entering a password. John Gruber of Daring Fireball analyzes Apple’s statements to speculate about the future of Apple security.