Apple Works on Anti-Theft Tool to Protect iPhone Users

Apple’s iPhone has long been a prime target for thieves. This is, in part, because the iPhone tends to have a higher resale value than similarly positioned Android devices.

For example, a 256 GB iPhone 15 Pro on the smartphone trade-in site Bankmycell still has a trade-in value of $527. In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra — which was released the same year as the iPhone 15 Pro — has a trade-in value in the range of $295.

The iPhone’s ability to retain value, together with strong demand for the device, has created an environment where iPhone theft remains an ongoing problem in large cities around the world.

To help alleviate the issue, Apple is reportedly working on a feature that will hopefully dissuade potential thieves from abruptly grabbing iPhones from unsuspecting users and running off, or in situations where an iPhone is yanked away under duress or the threat of force.

This type of crime is typically referred to as a “snatch and grab,” and it can be particularly problematic as some of Apple’s existing security mechanisms, such as Activation Lock, are less helpful if a phone is snatched while unlocked.

As a result, Apple is reportedly working on a new feature that would enable the iPhone’s accelerometer to detect when the device is abruptly grabbed out of a user’s hands.

Word of the feature was first brought to light by 9to5Mac. At this point, it remains unclear whether this will be introduced at WWDC in early June or is still in the exploratory phase.

The original report says the feature is “under active development,” which suggests it will see the light of day sooner rather than later.

The feature certainly sounds intriguing at first glance. In practice, though, the software would have to be impressively precise to distinguish between a “snatch and grab” and other scenarios that might involve someone using their device normally.

After all, the feature could become more of a nuisance if it automatically locks anytime someone holding an iPhone waves their hand excitedly. 

It’s also worth noting that Apple may incorporate some guardrails to prevent the feature from activating when not needed. For instance, the feature will reportedly take into account whether the device is on a user’s home Wi-Fi network, a scenario that would make a “snatch and grab” situation less likely.

The feature might also check whether, after the accelerometer detects notable movement, the device is moving farther away from the owner’s Apple Watch.