New references in the latest iOS 27.2 beta show Apple continues developing an anti-snatching feature that locks iPhones when stolen. The feature, internally called 'AutoLock,' uses gyroscope, accelerometer, and other sensors to detect sudden movement consistent with a theft. It also relies on a paired Apple Watch to detect when the iPhone is no longer near the owner's wrist.

Additional triggers include loss of Watch connectivity, prolonged network loss, or the device remaining unlocked too long. Safeguards like biometric authentication and foreground app use help prevent false positives. The system uses a voting mechanism where theft signals can trigger a lock, but familiar locations or successful authentication can veto it.

When activated, the iPhone locks and enables Stolen Device Protection, which requires biometrics for sensitive actions and imposes delays on critical changes like Apple Account password updates. Android already has a similar Theft Detection Lock. Apple has not announced a release date, but ongoing code development indicates the feature is still under wraps.