Apple may be planning to steal Android's handy anti-theft trick

According to a new report, Apple is working on a theft detection feature that will work like Android's Theft Detection Lock.

Apple's potential theft detection feature is expected to utilize a combination of accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS data to determine if an iPhone has been stolen from its user's hands. This feature would automatically lock the device, rendering it unusable to the thief. According to reports, the feature is still in development, with no official release date announced. The technology is similar to Android's Theft Detection Lock, which has been available on certain devices since 2013.

The introduction of this feature would directly impact iPhone users who have had their devices stolen, as it would make it more difficult for thieves to resell or use the stolen phones. This could lead to a reduction in iPhone theft, resulting in cost savings for users who would otherwise have to replace their devices. A study by the National Consumers League found that phone theft costs consumers approximately $1.4 billion annually. This feature could help mitigate some of those losses.

The development of this feature is part of a larger trend of smartphone manufacturers focusing on device security. In recent years, companies like Samsung and Google have introduced various anti-theft measures, including remote locking and wiping capabilities. Insiders note that Apple's decision to develop this feature may be a response to the growing demand for more secure devices, as well as the increasing prevalence of phone theft. This move is also seen as an attempt to close the security gap between iOS and Android devices.

In the coming weeks, Apple is expected to release more information about the feature, including its potential release date and compatibility with existing iPhone models. A report by Bloomberg suggests that the feature may be announced at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, which typically takes place in June. Interestingly, the feature's development is being led by a team of engineers who previously worked on Apple's Find My iPhone service, which has been instrumental in recovering stolen devices, with a success rate of over 70% in some cases.