Smartphone thefts are becoming increasingly common, especially when users are actively using their phones in public. To tackle this growing problem, Apple is reportedly developing a new iPhone security feature inspired by Android's Theft Detection Lock, designed to automatically secure a phone the moment it is forcefully snatched away.
Apple's Automated Defence Against iPhone Snatchers is Coming
Code uncovered by 9to5Mac indicates that Apple is preparing an automated response to an iPhone getting snatched. While the exact name of the feature is unclear at the moment, it could analyse environmental context using sensors to detect a physical jolt that appears during a "snatch and grab" job.
To execute this, the software will reportedly tap into the iPhone's internal accelerometer. However, to ensure the phone does not accidentally lock when a user moves their arm quickly, the system measures the spatial distance between the handset and a connected Apple Watch. The latter serves as a secondary confirmation.
9to5Mac claims this locking mechanism does not operate in a vacuum but is deeply integrated with the Stolen Device Protection framework that Apple recently deployed. Beyond physical sensors, after a jolt is detected, the OS checks its current Wi-Fi connection and GPS coordinates.
If the jolt appears in a recognised safe zone, more like Android's Trusted Places setting, the information is disregarded. However, if it takes place on an unrecognised public street, it will drop an immediate security wall.
The wall pertains to doing things like locking the iPhone and demanding biometric authentication before proceeding. This will prevent thieves from accessing banking apps, emails or passwords. The underlying code also confirms that the feature is currently in development stages.
This upcoming feature is very similar to Google's Theft Detection tool, which also uses sensor data and trusted places to detect a jolt and lock the smartphone before it's too late. And while tools like Activation Lock and Find My Network are highly effective as after-the-fact deterrents, they don't offer immediate help.
Considering how well the feature works upon its release, it should help the victims breathe a sigh of relief when their phone is snatched, knowing their data is safe. It's a much-needed feature that Apple should add to their arsenal soon, to strengthen iPhone's privacy features.
