iOS 26.4 is the next major iPhone software release, and Apple plans to enable a key security feature by default in the update.
Stolen device protection will be on by default in iOS 26.4
In early 2024, Apple launched a new iOS feature called Device Theft Protection.
The anti-theft feature was optional for users as it came with additional restrictions that might prove inconvenient for the average person.
But in iOS 26.4, according to MacRumorsApple turns on stolen device protection for all users by default.
From Apple’s support document explaining the security feature:
With Anti-Theft, some features and actions have additional security requirements when your iPhone is away from known places like home or work. These requirements help prevent someone who steals your iPhone and knows your passcode from making major changes to your account or device.
- Biometric authentication with Face ID or Touch ID: Some actions, such as accessing saved passwords and credit cards, require biometric authentication with Face ID or Touch ID — without an alternate password or backup code — so that only you can access these features.
- Safety delay: Some security actions, such as changing your Apple account password, also require you to wait an hour before re-verifying with Face ID or Touch ID.
As with most security features, there are trade-offs. But Apple’s opinion on compromises with Stolen Device Protection seems to have changed over time.
In iOS 17.3, the feature was completely signed in, so most users probably never tried it. Now with iOS 26.4, users will have this enabled automatically – though still with the option to disable it later.
Are you using stolen device protection on your iPhone now or will you start with iOS 26.4? Let us know in the comments.
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