iOS 27.2 beta 2 reveals new details about unnanounced iPhone anti-snatching feature

Apple is developing a feature that automatically locks an iPhone when it detects the device has been snatched from its owner's hand. According to new references in iOS 27.2 beta 2, this feature, called "AutoLock" internally, can use signals like successful biometric authentication, certain app activities, and a backoff mechanism to prevent false positives.

The feature also includes a location-based safeguard, similar to Stolen Device Protection, to account for whether the iPhone is in a familiar place. For now, Apple has only enabled the underlying AutoLock service in the background while keeping the component that locks the iPhone disabled, allowing the company to test the underlying behavior without triggering automatic locks. It is unclear whether or when this feature will launch.