According to an article published by 404 Media and reproduced by TechCrunch, Apple has implemented a new security feature that causes the iPhone to reboot if not unlocked for 72 hours. It is a new mechanism that protects user data from possible data extraction using special software. Agents and forensic experts on the subject noticed this incidentiPhones that restart on their own without knowing why. It was only a matter of time before we realized Apple was making a change.

iOS 18 implemented an extra security feature to protect iPhones that remain unlocked and unlocked

Jiska ClassHasso was one of the first security experts to become a researcher at the Plattner Institute. Apple detected this behavior on iPhones. He published a video showing the new feature of iOS 18 on X. iPhone turns off after 72 hours and then you may see very long code execution. It then recovers the apple’s appearance when opened and begins to have normal behavior.

See the latest iOS inactivity restart feature in action!

iOS 18 comes with advanced anti-theft measures. Without unlocking for three days, the iPhone will reboot and prevent thieves from capturing your data. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/H24Tfo1cSr

— Jiska (@naehrdine) November 13, 2024

Another company dedicated to providing digital forensic services, Magnet Forensics confirmed what the researcher published in the video. The reason for this “idle reset” is that by locking the user’s encryption keys in the iPhone’s enclave chip, the iPhone “almost” becomes a more secure device.

This, over timeIt doesn’t matter if a thief has an unlocked iPhone (without iCloud lock) or not, will not be able to unlock with tools considered “cheap” Going by what the authorities can do with special software, restarting the iPhone may complicate the process, but it won’t prevent it from being blocked completely.

The moment a user unlocks their iPhone is vital for security

TechCrunch shows iPhones have two security states that act as protection mechanisms. If a mechanism is used to force the user’s passcode or introduce security flaws in the iPhone, they can make the unlocking process difficult. The states in question before first unlock and after first unlock.

iPhone data “fully encrypted” in the firstAccessing them is almost impossible unless the user’s password is known. In the latter, some data is found unencrypted and this is when forensic tools and special software can act effectively.

iPhone menu when shutting down

That’s why Apple implemented security reset in iOS 18 To prevent anyone from trying to access iPhone data after 3 days. News like this reminds us of the time Apple was asked to unlock an iPhone belonging to the San Bernardino shooter. The FBI had to turn to an Australian company to gain access to the iPhone. In another hacking case, Apple said it was willing to contribute to law enforcement as long as it was in its hands.

404 Media also stated that at that time, no cybersecurity company could unlock an iPhone with iOS 17.4. Will the situation get worse with iOS 18?

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