Apple on Monday unveiled the long-awaited iOS 17 update for iPhones, which includes a number of new and enhanced security features.
The updated iOS 17 features, such as anti-web tracking, secure password storage, and simple passkey sharing, are better suited for a larger audience.
The main improvement to Lockdown Mode is that it is now compatible with Apple Watches as well as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Lockdown Mode makes it much more difficult to sneak into a device and steal its data by selectively disabling some iPhone (and Watch) functionalities that have previously been misused by spyware producers, such as iMessage and HomeKit.
Additionally, the Safari browser in iOS 17 automatically removes tracking information from web addresses that can be used to identify your device specifically and follow you online. Because of this, it is more challenging for websites and advertising to determine which other websites you visit.
Updates are coming to Passkeys, the phishing-resistant password replacement that enables you to log in without being concerned that your passwords might be stolen. Passkeys can now be shared with loved ones. End-to-end encryption is used to communicate passkeys and passwords so that no one else, not even Apple, can access them.
A large portion of the new faetures are geared towards defending iPhone users who are more vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, and human rights advocates.