Apple is reportedly developing a new feature to boost iPhone security. According to a recent report by 9to5mac, this upgrade aims to instantly lock an iPhone if it detects that someone has forcibly taken it from a user’s hand.
This feature will complement existing security tools like Find My, Activation Lock, and Stolen Device Protection. These current measures help protect the phone if someone snatches it while it’s already unlocked. If a thief grabs an unlocked iPhone, they could access personal information before the screen eventually times out.
The upcoming feature is expected to take inspiration from Android’s “Theft Detection Lock,” which uses a combination of sensors to identify suspicious movements that may indicate a theft.
### How It Works
Similar to Android, this new system will utilize the iPhone’s built-in sensors to recognize the sudden jerky motion that happens when someone rips the phone from your grasp. Once this motion is detected, the device will lock itself right away.
To ensure that the phone has truly been taken, it will also monitor the distance between the iPhone and a paired Apple Watch. If the connection strength drops or if the distance suddenly increases, this will trigger the lock feature.
Additionally, the system will work alongside Apple’s existing Stolen Device Protection rules, constantly checking if the iPhone is in a known location, like home or work, or connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network.
While there is no official release date for this anti-snatch feature, its presence in internal software suggests that it’s actively being developed. In comparison, Android’s Theft Detection Lock employs AI to automatically lock the screen if it detects a phone snatching motion, helping to keep user data safe.
