New Feature IOS 18.1: IPhone Will Reboot And Lock It Automatically When Not Active

IOS 18.1 introduces a hidden feature that will automatically reboot the iPhone (photo: x @CodeByPoonam)

JAKARTA - iOS 18.1 introduces a hidden feature that will automatically reboot a locked iPhone if it is not active for some time, which is believed to be a security measure. This feature called a "reboot because it is inactive" is similar to the "hibernating" mode on the Mac, where the device stores its final status to the disk when in a sleep state to protect data if the power runs out before the user can return.

By deleting the device's final status, the iPhone will be more protected from forensic searches by law enforcement or other parties, as well as complicating hacking efforts through the brute-force method.

This feature works without relying on charging or networks and is only linked to inactive times since the last time the phone was unlocked. This means that a reboot will occur after a certain period, even if there is no network connection.

Prevention of Private Security ViolationsChristopher Vance, a forensic specialist from Magnet Forensics, stated that the code on iOS 18 and a higher version contain an inactive timer that will cause the device to be "After First Unlock" (AFU) status reboot to "Before First Unlock" (BFU) status after a certain period. BFU status makes devices more difficult to access by forensic equipment or other malicious parties.

The time gap between devices in sleep mode and automatic reboot is about four days or 96 hours. The Forensics magnet recently acquired Grayshift, the company behind GrayKey's hacking tool.

According to cryptograph Matthew Green of John Hopkins University, this feature is more aimed at protecting users from iPhone theft. If the phone is stolen, this feature ensures that thieves can't keep trying to open the device for months. "Reboot after a normal inactive period won't be too annoying, but it will make your phone much safer," Green said. "So, this seems quite a good idea."