Apple's Inactivity Reboot in iOS 18 Explained

Apple's iOS 18 introduces a new 'inactivity reboot' feature designed to enhance iPhone security by automatically rebooting devices after 72 to 96 hours of inactivity. This measure aims to protect user data from thieves and unauthorized access by locking encryption keys within the Secure Enclave Processor, making data extraction difficult even with forensic tools. While beneficial for users, the feature complicates law enforcement's ability to access data on seized devices, as reported by various articles citing concerns from police and forensic experts. The feature was identified through code analysis by security researchers and is part of Apple's broader strategy to uphold user privacy against unauthorized access, aligning with their longstanding stance against providing unlocking assistance to law enforcement. This security update elevates iPhone's resistance to both criminal attempts and legal data extraction, reinforcing Apple's commitment to privacy and user data protection.