November 12, 2024, 10:37 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple has probably introduced a function with the latest operating system version that is supposed to help against theft. However, this was only discovered by chance. There has been no official announcement from Apple to date.
With the release of iOS 18.1, Apple reportedly introduced a new feature to iPhones, primarily aimed at anti-theft protection. Police officers first discovered the function when they could no longer access confiscated smartphones. The feature is called “Inactivity Reboot.”
Overview
New iPhone function initiates restart
iOS 18.1 was rolled out in October, bringing with it numerous new and, above all, useful functions. However, there are times when Apple does not explicitly mention certain new features. One of these is the “Inactivity Reboot” function. As the name suggests, this is a feature that causes the iPhone to restart if the device has not been used or activated for a long period of time.
As the US tech portal 404 Media reports, this new function came to light when law enforcement authorities in Detroit, Michigan, wanted to examine confiscated iPhones that were intended for forensic investigations, among other things. An official document revealed evidence of this new function. According to the document, devices that have not been unlocked for four days are restarted.
Following an automatic restart, the iPhone enters a special mode that provides enhanced data protection. To regain full access to all functions and apps, the PIN code must be re-entered – facial recognition or fingerprint alone is not sufficient in this state.
No chance for thieves – or the authorities
The “Inactivity Reboot” function proves to be useful as it prevents thieves from using stolen devices. However, it can also cause problems for police operations, as the current example shows. Investigators also suspect that iPhones in close proximity might communicate and trigger mutual restarts if they lack an internet connection for an extended period.
Jiska Classen from the Hasso Plattner Institute, an expert in cybersecurity, examined the code more closely and confirmed the assumption that Apple has implemented such a function. On X (formerly known as Twitter), she shared the code and commented, “Apple has indeed introduced a feature named ‘Inactivity Reboot’ in iOS 18.1.” This could simply be a new security feature.
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Apple remains silent on the matter
Apple normally provides information about new features and updates, but the company remains silent about this function. In the past, Apple has sometimes failed to announce security features or to provide further explanations. Accordingly, no official statement is to be expected this time either.