Apple introduced new security features on iPhone through iOS 18.1 update. The feature makes it difficult for thieves and intelligence agencies to bypass the smartphone's security system. Because if the iPhone is not unlocked for a long time, the phone automatically reboots with the new feature.
According to a report, some iPhone models were seized by US police officers for forensic examination. However, when bypassing the security system of these smartphones, it was rebooting automatically.
A security expert says the reboots are caused by a new feature in iOS 18. This feature is called 'Inactivity Reboot'.
Tech news outlet 404 Media reports that Detroit police officers seized some iPhone units for forensic testing and that they were automatically rebooting. This made it more difficult to bypass the security measures of these devices. Because the tools used to unlock them become ineffective.
In a document, police in Michigan say Apple has implemented a feature that 'communicates' with other devices and sends a reboot signal. However, after reviewing iOS 18.2's code, this theory was dismissed.
A security researcher on social media 'Mastodon' said that Apple has actually introduced a feature called 'inactivity reboot' which is not related to the phone's network. The feature will work if the iPhone has iOS 18.1 update. As a result of this feature, the phone will automatically reboot if the phone is not unlocked for a long time.
Here's how the feature works
Apple encrypts data on smartphones in two states—before first unlock (BFU) and after first unlock (AFU). The first is when an iPhone is restarted and the handset can only accept calls. This is a higher security mode, which is disabled after unlocking the device for the first time and activating Face ID or Touch ID.
After that the iPhone stays in 'AFU' mode until the phone is rebooted once more. That means law enforcement officials or thieves can use specific tools to unlock the device and access its content. But when an iPhone is in BFU state, the process of accessing the device using these tools can become more difficult.
Apple has previously introduced a feature that protects the iPhone from unauthorized access. In 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) could not unlock the iPhone. . Apple introduced a system in the iPhone at that time. This system limits or disables data exchange or debugging activities through the USB port if the device is not unlocked for a specified period of time.
References: 360 gadgets
