How this new iPhone feature could be a ‘headache’ for thieves

A newly discovered security feature in iOS 18.1 is forcing iPhones to automatically reboot after periods of inactivity, making it significantly more difficult for both thieves and law enforcement to access locked devices.
The feature, dubbed “inactivity reboot,” automatically restarts iPhones that remain locked for approximately four days, as revealed in an investigation by 404 Media. When an iPhone reboots, it enters a highly secure “Before First Unlock” (BFU) state, requiring the original passcode for access.
Law enforcement officials first noticed the issue when iPhones stored for forensic examination were mysteriously rebooting themselves. Christopher Vance, a forensic specialist at Magnet Forensics, has already advised police officers to prioritise collecting evidence from iOS 18 devices while they’re in an “After First Unlock” (AFU) state, before the automatic reboot occurs.