Apple develops iPhone snatch detection lock feature

Apple is developing a new security feature designed to automatically lock an iPhone if it detects the device has been snatched from a user’s hand. The feature, currently in active development, aims to close a significant vulnerability in existing theft protections.

Current Apple security measures, including Find My, Activation Lock, and Stolen Device Protection, are effective at preventing unauthorized access and resale of a lost or stolen device. However, these protections can be circumvented if a thief physically grabs a phone while its screen is unlocked. In such a scenario, the thief would have immediate access to the user’s data and applications before any security delays can engage.

The new system is designed to address this gap. According to code examined by developers, the feature will use multiple signals to detect a snatch. The primary indicator will be data from the iPhone’s accelerometer, which can identify the sudden, jerky motion associated with a device being grabbed. For users who also wear an Apple Watch, the system will monitor the distance between the two devices; a sudden separation would serve as a secondary theft signal.

Once a potential snatch is detected,...