Apple is developing a new security feature that will automatically lock an iPhone if it’s taken out of a user’s hand, building on its existing anti-theft measures to deter tech thieves.
The American tech giant has continued to make upgrades to its smartphone security ecosystem, including remote monitoring, remote-locking capabilities and strict anti-theft protocols designed to prevent Apple from changing IDs or factory resetting stolen devices.
The company is now turning its attention to an even more vulnerable window: when a device is captured while in active use. (Continued below)
Photo: Apple Support
While Apple’s current stolen device protection offers strong protection, it has a significant loophole. If a thief grabs an unlocked iPhone directly from the victim’s hand, the criminal gains immediate access to the active device. This vulnerability prompted Apple to develop a real-time solution.
According to the technical details of the development, the new feature will rely on a combination of internal hardware and ecosystem connectivity.
1. Proximity Tracking: The system tracks the physical distance between the iPhone and the user’s authorized Apple Watch.
2. Motion Sensors: Built-in accelerometers detect sudden, violent movements like the phone being snapped.
If the system detects this particular combination of rapid acceleration and sudden separation from the user’s Apple Watch, the iPhone will immediately trigger an automatic screen lock.
Apple also integrates location-based logic to ensure airtight security. If the device is connected to an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network for an extended period of time following a suspected theft, the system will trigger a deep lock with stolen device protection.
Android users may be familiar with Apple’s latest security initiative. The system closely mirrors Google’s “plagiarism detection lock” ecosystem, which was released earlier this year.
To protect compromised devices, Google’s anti-theft suite relies on three different pillars: identity verification, failed authentication lock, and remote lock.
1. The identity verification feature increases biometric requirements when a device is out of familiar locations. It forces users to use facial recognition or fingerprints to access sensitive applications like Google Password Manager or banking apps. Even if a thief could memorize a user’s PIN or pattern, they would be blocked from accessing sensitive data. (Continued below)
Photo: Support Google
2. To prevent brute-force attacks, Failed Authentication Lock automatically turns off the screen after a set of incorrect passcode attempts. The latest iteration allows users to manually change this setting and increase lockout periods. Essentially, the system differentiates between a thief guessing a passcode and a child playing on the screen, preventing accidental lockouts.
3. Remote log function allows visiting migrated users [android.com/lock](https://android.com/lock) to secure their device using only phone number. Google has updated this process with a rigorous “security challenge” questionnaire to verify genuine ownership and prevent malicious actors from remotely locking out legitimate users.
It’s unclear when Apple plans to introduce the new anti-theft technology. However, if implemented successfully, this feature could significantly improve protection against street theft and make it even more difficult for criminals to exploit stolen iPhones.
Source: Apple, 9to5mac, support Google
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