New anti-theft feature for iPhone in the works?
Apple is working on a new iPhone security feature that can automatically lock the device when it detects that it has been snatched from the user’s hand. […]
These systems will rely on several signals, including the iPhone’s accelerometer, to detect when the device has been snatched from the user’s hand. Once the snatching is confirmed, it will automatically lock the iPhone.
To further determine whether the iPhone may have been taken from its owner, the feature will also observe the distance from a paired Apple Watch.
Additionally, once fully implemented and enabled, the feature will take into account the same rules that apply to Stolen Device Protection: whether the iPhone is connected to a familiar WiFi network, and whether it is at a familiar location, such as home or work.
If those conditions suggest the iPhone has been taken from its owner at an unfamiliar place, in addition to automatically locking the device, the feature will restrict access to the same areas protected by Stolen Device Protection.
There are no details on when these features will be announced, but code seen by 9to5Mac makes it clear they are under active development. Hopefully, they will come sooner rather than later.
I would expect a more capable 3rd generation Ultra Wideband chip to be a requirement for this, but maybe Apple can cook up this feature with current technology?
For more Ultra Wideband information, check out this cool blog post.