Don’t Leave Your iPhone Unattended for 3+ Days If You Forget Your Passcode Easily

Apple's latest iOS update introduces a new security feature that automatically reboots iPhones after 72 hours of inactivity.



TechCrunch has confirmed that iOS 18 includes a new "inactivity reboot" feature. This feature forces iPhones to restart if they remain unlocked for 72 hours. Jiska Classen, a researcher at the Hasso Plattner Institute, demonstrated this functionality in a video, showing an iPhone rebooting itself after being left untouched for three days.




https://twitter.com/naehrdine/status/1856802400897503487




When an iPhone reboots, it enters a "Before First Unlock" (BFU) state, where the user's data is fully encrypted and nearly impossible to access without the passcode. This makes it a lot harder for anyone without permission—like the police and theives—to get into the device.



This feature boosts security but could be tricky for those who forget their passcodes. Or for those who have multiple devices with each having a different passcode. After a reboot, you'll need to enter your passcode to unlock your device since Face ID or Touch ID won't work until then.



The new feature has law enforcement and forensic experts worried—it automatically reboots iPhones into a more secure, tougher-to-access mode, making it harder for them to get into seized devices.



In short, it might be a hassle for some and add a bit of complexity to investigations, but it gives much better protection against unauthorized access. Your data is safer than ever, at least if it is offline.



More here.