Your iPhone could soon lock automatically the moment it’s snatched from your hand
Apple could soon introduce a feature that will detect if your iPhone has been stolen and accordingly lock the device. This feature will automatically lock your iPhone if it detects that someone has snatched it from your hand. Apple’s new security feature is in the works, according to a report by 9to5mac, based on a code discovered by the publication. This feature is said to work similarly to Android’s Theft Detection Lock.
Apple’s new security feature for snatched iPhones
According to details shared in the report, this security system will use several signals before determining if the iPhone has been snatched from the user’s hand. Starting with the iPhone’s accelerometer, it will be used to detect if the device has been snatched, and once that’s confirmed, the iPhone will be automatically locked.
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If you have a paired Apple Watch, the next step will be to determine the location of your iPhone. Depending on how far your iPhone is, it will further understand if the iPhone has indeed been snatched from its owner. This is important as there may be situations where your iPhone is snatched by your friend or someone you know, and not necessarily stolen.
Once it’s confirmed that your iPhone has indeed been snatched and stolen, the Stolen Device Protection will be implemented. These things include detecting whether the iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network and if it’s in a familiar location. Confirming these factors will restrict access to stored passwords and credit cards that require biometric authentication with Face ID or Touch ID.
Changing your Apple Account password will also require you to wait an hour and then perform an additional Face ID or Touch ID authentication. This way, even if your iPhone is stolen, your personal data will remain secure. So, the new security feature would build upon the existing protections that Apple provides. It can also be seen as a broader push into privacy and security as a core brand pillar.
If Apple does end up launching this feature, it will be very helpful in situations where your iPhone gets snatched, which is still highly prevalent everywhere. Android’s Theft Detection Lock works similarly, and it’s powered by AI to automatically lock the phone’s screen if someone snatches it or if the phone goes offline. This feature is built in and can be enabled by the user. You can also remotely lock your device or erase its data if it’s stolen, as long as it’s online.
While this feature isn’t confirmed, it adds another layer of security for future iPhone models or OS updates, making current iPhones even more robust against theft. If security is your top concern, this potential development reinforces the value of staying within the Apple ecosystem.
