Apple’s Theft Detection Feature Could Lock Stolen iPhones Automatically
In Focus
- Apple is developing an anti-theft feature for iPhones
- The new feature automatically locks the smartphone it detects theft by snatching
- Apple’s automatic security feature resembles Android’s Theft Detection Lock tool
Apple is reportedly developing a security feature that automatically locks iPhones once it detects the device theft. The feature will be very similar to Google’s Theft Detection Lock tool in Android smartphones. Google uses on-device AI to detect theft and locks the screen automatically to block data access. It’s still not clear when the Apple Theft Detection feature will roll out to iPhone users.
Why is Apple Developing an Anti-Theft Feature?
Apple has been working to improve anti-theft protections in iPhones for years now. Features such as “Activation Lock”, “Find My”, and “Stolen Device Protection” are already available on iPhones. However, these features are not designed to work when an unlocked device gets stolen.
The iPhone maker also applies time-based security delay to prevent Apple ID changes. The tech giant introduced this feature alongside the “Stolen Device Protection” feature in iOS 17.3. The time-based security delay feature introduces a mandatory waiting period whe the iPhone is away from a trusted location.
Despite these protections, thieves can still cause serious damage as soon as they get an unlocked iPhone. This security gap has caused Apple to develop a tool that locks the smartphone automatically as soon as it detects theft.
News about Apple’s theft detection lock feature comes as the tech company prepares for the 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month. Apple is expected to unveil several products at the event, including iPhone Ultra, its first foldable smartphone.
How Does the iPhone Automatic Lock Feature Work?
Apple’s Android-like theft detection lock will verify iPhone theft by tracking the distance between the iPhone and a paired Apple Watch. If the tool confirms that the iPhone is further away from the connected smartwatch, it will take that as an indication of theft.
The new stolen phone protection feature will also use the accelerometer in iPhones to detect theft by snatching. Once the theft detection feature is enabled in an iPhone, it will apply the same rules as the “Stolen Device Protection” tool. Additionally, the anti-theft feature will check whether the iPhone is connected to a familiar WiFi network and whether it’s in a usual location, like work or home.
If the tool establishes unfamiliar conditions, it will automatically lock the device and restrict access to areas that are protected by the “Stolen Device Protection” feature, like accounts and personal data. Users must enable two-factor authentication on Apple Accounts to use the “Stolen Device Protection” feature. They must set up a passcode or Face or Touch ID, and add Significant Locations to use the feature. The “Find My” feature must also be enabled.
What’s Next for Apple’s Anti-Theft Feature
Apple has not announced the anti-theft feature officially and the tool is still under development. This means there are no timelines in terms of when the feature could launch. Like the Gen AI website, which the company is reportedly developing, it is highly likely that the anti-theft feature will be previewed at the WWDC 2026 event next month.
