Apple is developing a new anti-theft protection mechanism for the iPhone, internally named AutoLock. This feature is already present in the latest iOS beta version, and its main purpose is to prevent the device from being used if it is stolen or snatched.
It is worth noting that Android systems have offered similar technologies since 2025, with Brazil being the first country to adopt such a feature. In the context of the iPhone, the software monitors situations such as the abrupt removal of the device from the owner's hand, the interruption of connection with other user devices, and a prolonged period of continuous unlocking.
The discovery of this new feature was made through the analysis of code disclosed by the website 9to5Mac. Additionally, Apple plans to implement security improvements on the iPhone to mitigate false positives during biometric unlocking, among other updates.
According to the examined code, AutoLock will use iPhone sensors that are already responsible for tracking steps and other movements to detect a possible theft. In addition to 'pulling' movement and typical acceleration, other 'suspicious' circumstances will be evaluated to configure a theft or snatching event.
The intention is that, upon detecting a risk, the iPhone will lock the screen, thereby protecting confidential information. Specific details, such as the maximum allowed time for unlocking or loss of connectivity, have not yet been disclosed.
The test version was made available this Monday (21) exclusively to developers, allowing them to optimize their applications before the official release. However, it is important to emphasize that AutoLock is not active in the beta, even though it is available in the system, suggesting that Apple may choose not to release the feature in the final version of iOS 27.2.
Besides AutoLock, the operating system foresees other enhancement mechanisms. Ways to prevent FaceID identification failures will be incorporated, as well as adjustments to prevent automatic locking from being triggered incorrectly. Specific exceptions that can override the lock, such as biometric recognition or presence in known locations, are also planned.
This layer of security already exists in services like Stolen Device Protection, and it should participate in a 'voting' process, where AutoLock requests the lock and the system only executes it if the phone is not in those exception conditions.