Apple's iOS 18.1 'Inactivity Reboot' Feature Stymies Law Enforcement Access
The new security measure automatically reboots iPhones after four days of inactivity, enhancing security but complicating police investigations.
- The 'inactivity reboot' feature in iOS 18.1 causes iPhones to restart after four days of inactivity, making unauthorized access more challenging.
- This feature shifts iPhones into a 'Before First Unlock' (BFU) state, which is more secure and harder for forensic tools to crack.
- Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns as the feature complicates their ability to extract data from seized devices.
- Security experts argue the feature primarily aims to protect users from thieves and unauthorized access, rather than targeting law enforcement.
- Apple has not publicly commented on the feature, which reflects its ongoing commitment to user privacy and data security.