Apple Developing Motion-Based iPhone Theft Detection Feature Using Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Apple Watch

Code examined by 9to5Mac indicates Apple is developing an iPhone feature that uses the device’s accelerometer and gyroscope to detect sudden snatch-and-grab motion. The same code shows the feature will also measure distance from a paired Apple Watch to confirm whether the phone has left its owner. When triggered, the system applies the same rules already used by Stolen Device Protection.

Those rules check whether the iPhone remains connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network and whether it is at a familiar location such as home or work. Stolen Device Protection itself has been strengthened in recent updates. The feature now prevents changes to an Apple ID that would let a thief add themselves to the owner’s biometrics, and the protection is enabled by default rather than requiring manual activation.

Phone snatching remains common in major cities including London and New York. Thieves who obtain an unlocked device can reach banking apps and other stored data. The New York Times reported that when thieves cannot erase a locked iPhone because an Apple ID stays connected, they have accessed the owner’s emergency contact information.

In some cases, the thieves have harassed or threatened that contact to pressure the owner into removing the Apple ID. 9to5Mac stated that the new motion-based detection “will also observe the distance from a paired Apple Watch” to help determine whether the iPhone was taken.

The report added that the feature will incorporate the familiar-network and familiar-location checks already used by Stolen Device Protection.

It remains unclear whether the motion-detection system will function on the iPhone alone or will require a paired Apple Watch to operate at full speed or at all. That detail is expected to become known when the feature is released.