Overview
- The reporting, published May 26–27, is based on code reviewed by 9to5Mac and repeated by multiple outlets and shows the feature is under active development.
- On detection the phone would use the iPhone’s accelerometer and gyroscope to spot sudden snatch‑like motion and then lock the device automatically.
- A paired Apple Watch would serve as an extra signal by measuring a sudden increase in distance from the phone to help confirm a theft.
- If triggered, the feature would apply Stolen Device Protection rules by checking familiar Wi‑Fi networks and known locations before restricting access to sensitive data.
- The work mirrors Google’s Theft Detection Lock on Android, but Apple has not announced a release date and some outlets have speculated a WWDC or iOS 27 reveal without confirmation.