Apple is reportedly preparing a new security feature that can automatically lock the iPhone when it detects that it has been snatched from the user’s hand.
This functionality is designed to automatically lock the screen of Android smartphones to block immediate access to data when a theft attempt is detected. Now, Apple appears to be working on a similar feature to stay one step ahead of thieves.
This feature could lock the phone during theft attempts. Apple could use multiple signals to verify fraud. It’s unclear when this feature will be rolled out to iPhone users.
This upcoming functionality reportedly works based on several signals, like the iPhone’s accelerometer, to identify fraud. After confirming the theft, the feature will automatically lock the device. This anti-snatching feature is said to work similarly to Google’s Theft Detection Lock feature on Android.
To verify theft or snatching incidents, the feature will monitor the distance between the iPhone and a paired Apple Watch. If the phone moves away from the connected smartwatch, the system could consider it as an additional indicator of theft.
According to the statement, after the implementation, Apple’s upcoming security feature will reportedly follow the rules under the existing Stolen Device Protection system. With this update, iPhone will analyse whether the handset is connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network or located in a familiar place, such as the user’s home or work.
If the iPhone is found in unfamiliar locations and networks, this feature will automatically lock the phone and restrict access to accounts and personal information protected under the Stolen Device Protection tool, as per the reports.
