Apple’s iPhone Theft Protection Could Gain A Crucial New Feature

InnovationCybersecurityApple’s iPhone Theft Protection Could Gain A Crucial New FeatureByKate O'Flaherty,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Kate O’Flaherty is a cybersecurity and privacy journalist. Follow AuthorMay 28, 2026, 10:44am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Apple is working on an addition to its Stolen Device Protection feature that would bring it on par with Google’s Android.AFP via Getty ImagesApple’s Stolen Device Protection is a great feature that protects your data if thieves get hold of your iPhone. But at the moment, a thief that acts quickly while your iPhone is sill unlocked can still be successful.It is with this weakness in mind that Apple is working on a new iPhone security feature that’ll see your device automatically lock if it is grabbed from your hand. That’s according to Apple focused site 9to5Mac, which has seen code indicating that the feature is in active development.The site describes how the new feature will use the accelerometer to detect when your iPhone is snatched in a similar way to Android’s Theft Detection Lock. It will also observe the distance between your iPhone and Apple Watch, if you have one, to further evidence a theft. The feature will allow Apple to immediately lock your iPhone if it takes into account a number of factors, such as your distance from home or work, and whether you are connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network. If your device does detect these factors in play, it will protect your crucial data by not allowing you to change core settings such as your Apple ID password. At the same time, Touch ID or Face ID are required for access to apps such as banking and passwords. if (!window.cnxel) { window.cnxel = {}; window.cnxel.cmd = []; var iframe = document.createElement('iframe'); iframe.style.display = 'none'; iframe.onload = function() { var iframeDoc = iframe.contentW...