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Apple has silently introduced a feature in iOS 18.1 that automatically reboots an iPhone after a period of inactivity. This reboot function, designed to enhance security, is causing significant concern among law enforcement agencies. When iPhones are collected for forensic examination and left inactive, they unexpectedly reboot, making it challenging for authorities to access data and hindering investigations. This incident has sparked debate over the balance between security and law enforcement’s ability to access data for investigative purposes.

References:

• Tilde Lowengrimm (@tilde@infosec.town) - This notes thread on infosec.town discusses the iPhone reboot feature and how it impacts law enforcement's ability to access data from seized devices. - 15d
• 404 Media - This article reports that Apple quietly introduced a feature in iOS 18.1 that automatically reboots an iPhone after a period of inactivity, making it difficult for law enforcement to access data on se - 15d
• Techmeme - Lora Kolodny / :   —  Tesla has falsely suggested in social media posts that its cars are autonomous, potentially misleading and endangering drivers … - 14d
• @Techmeme - In an email in May, the NHTSA warned Tesla that its online posts falsely suggested that its cars are autonomous, potentially misleading and endangering drivers (Lora Kolodny/CNBC) - 14d
• www.cnbc.com - In an email in May, the NHTSA warned Tesla that its online posts falsely suggested that its cars are autonomous, potentially misleading and endangering drivers (Lora Kolodny/CNBC) - 14d

Classification:

• HashTags: Apple iOS18 iPhoneSecurity
• Company: Apple
• Target: Law Enforcement
• Product: iPhone
• Feature: Auto-Reboot
• Type: Bug
• Severity: Medium