News

Apple Releases iOS 17.3 Featuring Stolen Device Protection

The new theft protection feature aims to safeguard personal data in the event an iPhone or iPad is stolen.

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Nour Nasir

Apple

Apple has rolled out the latest incremental system updates to its mobile and desktop operating systems, with iOS 17.3 bringing a noteworthy feature to iPhones and iPads dubbed Stolen Device Protection, aimed at safeguarding personal data in the event of theft.

In the unfortunate event of your iPhone or iPad being stolen, iOS 17.3 allows you to bar unauthorized access by forcing Face ID or Touch ID verification. The security measure remains effective even if a thief has your passcode and should render any attempts to access your device futile.

As an added security layer, iOS 17.3 introduces an automatic one-hour security delay before permitting passcode modifications if the device is detected in an unfamiliar location. While Stolen Device Protection may not entirely deter thieves, it significantly complicates their efforts.

Also Read: Samsung Unpacked 2024: Key Product Announcements

iOS 17.3 also introduces minor enhancements such as collaborative playlists in Apple Music, support for AirPlay in hotels, improved crash detection, and a collection of new wallpapers commemorating Black History Month.

The following iOS devices support iOS 17.3:

iPhone Xs
iPhone Xs Max
iPhone XR (from 2018 onwards)
iPhone 11
iPhone 12
iPhone 13
iPhone 14
iPhone 15
iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd-gen)

Meanwhile, iPadOS 17.3 extends support to various models, including:

iPad Mini (5th-gen and later)
Standard iPad (6th-gen and later)
iPad Air (3rd-gen and later)
All iPad Pro models

Users can check for the update in their system settings.

To enable Stolen Device Protection, navigate to the “Face ID & Passcode” section within the Settings menu. Activating it is as simple as scrolling down and toggling the “Stolen Device Protection” switch from “Off” to “On”. No further configuration is necessary.

News

Dirham-Backed Stablecoin DDSC Enters Live Phase In UAE

Central Bank approval moves the dirham-backed token into deployment, targeting regulated payments and settlement flows.

Published

4 days ago

February 13, 2026

Nour Nasir

dirham-backed stablecoin ddsc enters live phase in uae

The UAE has cleared the launch of DDSC, a dirham-backed stablecoin now entering live operation after approval from the Central Bank. The move pushes the project beyond its pilot phase and into the country’s regulated financial system.

The token is backed by a consortium led by IHC, Sirius International Holding and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), framing it as an institutional instrument rather than a consumer crypto product. DDSC was first announced in April 2025, but regulatory clearance now allows deployment and integration across approved channels.

DDSC runs on ADI Chain, a Layer 2 blockchain built by the Abu Dhabi-based ADI Foundation. The infrastructure is designed for governance and performance requirements expected by large institutions, linking blockchain settlement with existing compliance and oversight frameworks.

The focus is practical, targeting treasury settlements, high-value payments, trade and supply-chain transactions, and programmable financial flows for regulated entities. FAB plans to offer access to the token through approved platforms for its clients, keeping the rollout inside controlled banking environments.

“DDSC marks a defining milestone in the UAE’s digital finance journey,” said Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC. “With the Central Bank’s approval and our transition into live operation, we are delivering trusted, institutional-grade infrastructure that strengthens resilience, accelerates innovation, and expands what is possible in regulated digital payments”.

Also Read: Basatne Debuts ORBT Platform For Digital Refunds In UAE

FAB says the project reflects how stablecoins can sit within traditional finance when risk controls are built in from the outset. “This milestone underscores that stablecoins can be integrated responsibly into the financial system when built to meet rigorous regulatory and risk requirements,” said Futoon Hamdan AlMazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking Group at FAB.

The launch reinforces the UAE’s strategy of pushing digital finance through regulation instead of open-ended crypto experimentation. Stablecoins in this model are positioned less as trading assets and more as programmable extensions of national currency, aimed at institutional scale and government use cases.