Apple Developing iPhone Anti-Theft Upgrade — But You May Need An Apple Watch, Too

InnovationConsumer TechApple Developing iPhone Anti-Theft Upgrade — But You May Need An Apple Watch, TooByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 31, 2026, 08:00am EDTSummaryApple is reportedly developing a new iPhone anti-snatching feature that instantly locks the device upon detecting a sudden grab. This system, revealed by 9to5Mac from code, uses the iPhone's accelerometer and gyroscope to identify snatch-and-grab movements. It aims to combat the urban epidemic of phone theft, which often allows thieves access to sensitive data like banking apps. While an improvement on existing Stolen Device Protection, a significant detail is that the feature may rely on a paired Apple Watch, observing its distance from the iPhone to confirm a theft. This raises questions about whether the Watch is essential or merely enhances the system, a point yet to be clarified upon release. The new security will also integrate existing Stolen Device Protection rules, such as familiar network and location checks.Show More Apple iPhone 17 ProGetty ImagesA recent report has revealed an iPhone update that many will want, a system where if your phone is snatched from your hand, it’ll be instantly locked. But it seems there may be an aspect to this feature which many reports have overlooked: an Apple Watch may be essential to the process.ForbesApple iOS 27 Release Date: When You Can Download And Test The New iPhone UpdateBy David PhelanThe original report came from 9to5Mac, which has seen code that seems to confirm that the new feature is under active development. The Urban Epidemic Of Phone SnatchingIf you live in a major city, like London or New York, say, you’ll know that phone snatching is endemic, and troubling not just because you’ve likely lost your phone forever, but because if the thief has snagged the phone when it’s unlocked, they may be able to access data such as banking...