Apple today launched a new tool for iPhones to help reduce what a thief with your phone and passcode can access. The feature, called Stolen Device Protection, adds extra layers of protection to your iPhone when someone tries to access or change sensitive settings on your device. If someone tries to access passwords stored in Apple's keychain, for instance, they won't be able to unless they also use a fingerprint or the phone's face recognition to prove they're the legitimate owner. You don't need to look far to find stories of stolen phones. In London, a phone is stolen every six minutes.

Apple is set to add even more protection to the iPhone in the next iOS update, which will stop thieves from accessing smartphones with passcodes. Called'Stolen Device Protection,' the new setting promises to prevent cyber-criminals from locking iPhone users out of their Apple accounts or accessing any of their passwords stored in Apple's Keychain. If the feature detects an unknown location of the iPhone, it will require Apple's FaceID to unlock the device. Stolen Device Protection is set to roll out with Apple's iOS 17.3 but is currently being tested in beta. Apple is rolling out a new feature to protect its customers' passcodes, online banking access, private iCloud photos and videos, and everything else that a stolen, unlocked iPhone leaves vulnerable.