Apple's iOS 18.1 auto-reboot feature locks iPhones after four days, blocking easy access, but at the same time, frustrating law enforcement in forensic probes.

404 Media reported that iPhones stored by police in evidence were rebooting themselves, and it turns out it’s all due to a new Inactivity Reboot feature shipping in iOS 18.1. First reported by security researcher Jiska Classen, this new feature reboots your iPhone if it has gone unused for at least four days.

A hidden feature in iOS 18.1 will automatically reboot a locked iPhone when it is asleep but hasn't been unlocked for a while, presumably as a security measure.

The inactivity reboot may not be the flashiest new feature of iOS 18.1, but it’s a quietly powerful addition that strengthens the security of your iPhone. By automatically restarting your device after a period of inactivity, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access, ensuring your information stays safe.

Last week, a report from 404 Media highlighted concerns from law enforcement officials about iPhones automatically rebooting themselves. While

There’s something unexpected happening with iPhones that have the latest version of iOS 18.1. Specifically, law enforcement and tech journalists have reported that iPhones, when left unattended for long enough,