Apple recently introduced a new security feature in iOS 18.1 known as “Inactivity Reboot”. It automatically reboots iPhones after four days of inactivity. This feature is designed to enhance security by forcing a reboot if a device hasn’t been unlocked for an extended period.
The “Inactivity Reboot” feature introduced in iOS 18.1 is a security measure designed to make iPhones more difficult to break into,. Particularly for law enforcement and malicious actors. When an iPhone is left unused for three days (previously seven days in iOS 18), it automatically reboots. This places it in the “Before First Unlock” (BFU) state. In this state, the device is fully encrypted, making it significantly harder to access its contents without a passcode.
Before this feature, iPhones were easier to access if they had been unlocked recently using Face ID or Touch ID, even if they were currently at the passcode screen. The reboot shifts the phone into a more secure mode, requiring the passcode to unlock it. This also makes it more resistant to brute-force attacks after the device restarts.
Frustrations among law enforcement
While forensic tools can still break into devices before they reboot, the feature provides additional protection, particularly for stolen iPhones. Initially, some suspected the reboot was triggered by network connectivity, but it operates independently of that.
There were rumors that iPhones could trigger reboots in nearby devices, but this has not proven true. Experts are divided on the impact of this new feature, as it complicates police investigations but strengthens overall device security.
Critics within these circles argue it hampers their ability to retrieve potential evidence stored on seized devices. However, security experts suggest that this feature could effectively deter phone theft by limiting unauthorized access opportunities.
Apple has not publicly commented on the rationale behind this feature. Although, experts generally view it as a valuable layer of security for users’ data protection.
