According to a new report, Apple is actively developing a new anti-theft feature for iPhones that could protect the device in situations where it is snatched from a user.
The report claims that the new anti-snatch feature will allow an iPhone to automatically lock itself if it detects a sudden snatching motion.
Theft Detection Lock feature on Android
Apple’s upcoming feature is said to work similarly to Android’s existing Theft Detection Lock feature. The report states that the feature will rely on the iPhone’s accelerometer to detect sudden movements associated with snatching. If the system determines that the device has likely been stolen, the iPhone will automatically lock itself.
However, Apple is reportedly using similar safeguards found in Stolen Device Protection to prevent accidental lockouts. The system is said to check whether the iPhone is connected to a trusted or home Wi-Fi network, or whether it is in a familiar location. In such situations, the device may avoid triggering the auto-lock feature.
According to the report, there is currently no word on when the feature could roll out to iPhones.