Apple is working on a new option to more thoroughly wipe an iPhone’s storage when erasing the device, but there’s a catch. References in today’s iOS 27.2 beta 1 point to a new iPhone erasing option that will let the user overwrite the device’s entire storage with blank data, including storage that isn’t actively in use.

Apple warns that the process may take longer than a standard erase and could affect the device’s lifespan. Currently, erasing an iPhone destroys encryption keys, rendering data inaccessible. As currently implemented, the feature will only be available on iPhone models sold in China, where Apple appears to be adding it to comply with an upcoming data-erasure requirement.

A new Chinese standard taking effect on January 1, 2027, will require smartphones and other electronic devices to offer a way to more thoroughly erase stored data, including through methods such as overwriting it. For semiconductor storage, one approved method involves overwriting storage containing user data at least once with meaningless data.

Finally, the new erasing option won’t be exclusive to iPhones, as code references also point to support for other devices, including the iPad, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro.