Apple is developing a new security feature for iPhone, internally codenamed AutoLock, aimed at preventing unauthorized access during street thefts. The feature is currently being tested within the iOS 27.2 beta, indicating that development is ongoing.
The system uses a combination of internal sensors, including gyroscopes and accelerometers, to detect sudden, abnormal acceleration patterns characteristic of a snatch-and-grab theft. It also integrates with Apple Watch to monitor proximity; a sudden loss of connection between the watch and the phone serves as a potential indicator of theft.
To minimize false positives, the feature employs a voting mechanism. It considers multiple factors, such as network status and device movement, while allowing biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID to override a lock request if the device is being used normally.
Once the system confirms a high risk of theft, it triggers an automatic lock and activates the Stolen Device Protection protocol. This requires additional biometric verification for sensitive data access and imposes time delays for critical account changes, mirroring similar theft-detection features found on Android.
