Apple is reportedly developing a new iPhone security feature designed to respond to “snatch-and-grab” thefts by locking the device immediately after detection. Citing Apple code seen by 9to5Mac, the feature uses the iPhone’s sensors—such as its gyroscope and accelerometer—to determine when the phone has been grabbed and moved suddenly. The detection is also said to involve a paired Apple Watch, allowing the iPhone to recognize when it moves away from the owner’s wrist unexpectedly.
After the iPhone is yanked from the user’s hand, it is expected to lock and trigger Apple’s “Stolen Device Protection.” That protection adds restrictions while the device is away from familiar locations, requiring biometric authentication for sensitive actions like accessing stored passwords or credit-card information. It also includes delays, including hour-long waits for changing an Apple Account password.
The feature is intended to protect against thieves who observe a passcode and then steal the device, aiming to prevent access to sensitive information even if the phone is taken. The reports do not include a timeline for when the feature may be released.
