Your iPhone may soon lock itself after being snatched, thanks to Apple’s new anti-theft feature
Your iPhone may soon lock itself after being snatched, thanks to Apple’s new anti-theft feature
Publish Date: 2026-05-30 02:16:00
Source Domain: www.storyboard18.com
Apple is reportedly working on a new iPhone security feature aimed at tackling snatch thefts by automatically locking devices moments after they are forcibly taken from users.
The upcoming protection system is designed to detect suspicious motion associated with phone theft and instantly secure the iPhone before thieves can access sensitive personal information.
The feature is expected to work alongside Apple’s existing Stolen Device Protection system, which was introduced to add additional security layers when an iPhone is away from trusted locations such as home or office.
Apple’s official support documentation states that Stolen Device Protection requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication for sensitive actions including viewing stored passwords, accessing payment information, changing account settings and disabling Lost Mode. Certain critical actions also trigger a one-hour security delay before they can be completed.
Apple is now trying to solve another problem linked to smartphone thefts: devices being snatched while already unlocked.
Also Read: Apple India revenue may hit Rs 1.42 lakh crore in FY26, outpacing HUL: Report
In such situations, existing security tools including Find My, Activation Lock and Stolen Device Protection may not immediately stop thieves from attempting to access apps, financial information or account settings before the owner reacts.
According to reports from 9to5Mac, the new system under development would use several device signals to identify theft-like behaviour. These reportedly include accelerometer data that can recognise abrupt movements consistent with a grab-and-run incident.
The feature may also use proximity information from a connected Apple Watch to determine whether the iPhone has suddenly moved away from its owner. Reports suggest the software could additionally check whether the device is connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network or located in recognised places such as home or work before deciding whether to trigger the…
