Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand.

Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand.

      Apple is addressing the largest loophole that iPhone thieves have taken advantage of for years.

      Apple is creating a feature that automatically locks your iPhone as soon as it senses someone has taken it from your hand. The team at 9to5Mac discovered this feature in development by examining Apple’s code. This helpful addition can prevent someone from accessing your data, even if they manage to take your phone.

      Apple is developing a new security feature that locks an iPhone immediately if the system detects that the device has been snatched from the user's hand, according to code reviewed by @9to5Mac. This feature will enhance existing protections such as Find My, Activation Lock, and Stolen Device Protection.

      What allows it to detect a snatch?

      The feature will utilize various signals, starting with the iPhone’s accelerometer, to identify the abrupt motion associated with a theft. Once the device confirms it has been taken, it will lock itself automatically.

      Additionally, Apple is implementing further measures. The feature will track the distance between your iPhone and a connected Apple Watch. If the two devices suddenly separate, it will signal that something may be wrong.

      Moreover, it will incorporate the same regulations that currently govern Stolen Device Protection. If your iPhone is outside of a known Wi-Fi network and is not in a familiar location, such as your home or office, it will perceive the situation as a potential theft.

      In such instances, the device will not only lock but also limit access to sensitive areas covered by Stolen Device Protection.

      Why is this important?

      Over the years, Apple has introduced significant theft protections, including Find My, Activation Lock, and Stolen Device Protection. However, these features tend to lose a significant amount of effectiveness if a thief grabs your iPhone while it remains unlocked.

      There is a time delay for major Apple ID changes, but an unlocked iPhone still contains a wealth of data that could be misused. This new feature aims to secure the phone before a thief can take any action with it. It is comparable to Android’s Theft Detection Lock, which operates in a similar manner.

      While there is no confirmed release date at this time, the code indicates that it is well into the development phase. It is hoped that this feature will be included in the upcoming iOS 27 update, which Apple is expected to announce at its WWDC 2026 event in June.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years covering the consumer technology sector.

      Samsung may soon address the most criticized camera lens in the Galaxy Ultra.

      Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Pro could potentially become a superior camera phone compared to the Ultra.

      Samsung appears to be on the verge of a significant overhaul for its flagship Galaxy S series. Recent leaks suggest that the company is testing a new Galaxy S27 Pro model that may position itself between the standard Galaxy S27 and the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Notably, this phone may provide a distinctly different camera experience compared to the Ultra.

      The primary change will focus on Samsung’s telephoto camera approach—a criticism that has plagued Galaxy Ultra phones for years.

      Xiaomi may be looking to replicate Samsung’s anti-snoop feature without the high-cost display technology.

      Software innovations might enable Xiaomi phones to adopt a Privacy Display similar to that on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

      Samsung's Privacy Display may soon be shared with others. A recent leak indicates that Xiaomi is developing a new feature inspired by the software and hardware capabilities of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to informant Yogesh Brar, a new anti-snoop technology is underway and is expected to debut with Xiaomi's HyperOS 4 later this year.

      A Samsung Galaxy S25 FE exploded while charging overnight, and this isn’t the first incident with the Galaxy S25 series.

      With reports of singed hair and shrapnel scattered everywhere, this charging issue highlights the dangers of charging your phone on a mattress.

      A Reddit user recounted a harrowing experience involving her Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. She awoke in the night to popping sounds and what she likened to fireworks, with metal and plastic debris filling the room. The reason? Her phone had exploded while plugged in. The user admitted to charging the phone on her mattress, acknowledging that it was not the best choice. However, she used the original charging cord that came with the device and a compatible Samsung charging block. It’s worth noting that Samsung no longer includes a wall charger with the device. She clarified that although the phone was on the mattress, it was not covered with any pillows or objects.

Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand. Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand. Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand. Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand. Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand. Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand. Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand.

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Your iPhone could soon automatically lock itself as soon as someone grabs it from your hand.

Apple is developing a new anti-theft functionality that secures your iPhone immediately when it senses a theft attempt. It utilizes your accelerometer, Apple Watch, and location data to determine if there is an issue.