Apple is automatically enabling Stolen Device Protection in iOS 26.4, three years after first introducing the security feature. The change comes as iPhone theft has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals learning to exploit passcodes to access sensitive information.

When activated, the feature requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication for critical actions like changing Apple ID passwords or disabling Find My iPhone. It also introduces a security delay for sensitive operations, forcing users to wait before completing high-risk changes. This extra layer of protection aims to thwart thieves who steal both the device and the passcode.

The automatic rollout marks a significant shift in Apple's approach to device security. By making Stolen Device Protection default, the company acknowledges the growing threat of sophisticated iPhone theft and takes proactive steps to protect users. The feature represents Apple's ongoing commitment to balancing security with user convenience in an era of increasingly complex digital threats.