Apple says there has never been a successful spyware attack on any iPhone with lock mode enabled, a claim the company shared with TechCrunch.
Lock Mode launched in 2022 as an opt-in feature for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It was introduced as a stricter security mode for people at high risk of targeted attacks, such as journalists, activists and government officials.
What lockdown mode actually does
Lockdown mode blocks many common attack routes used by spyware. When enabled, this security feature severely limits the functionality of your device. It blocks most message attachments, disables link previews, and limits incoming calls and invitations from unknown contacts.
It also prevents automatic connections to unsafe Wi-Fi networks and blocks wired connections when your device is locked. According to Apple, these restrictions reduce the “attack surface” that spyware typically relies on.
A rare victory against advanced spyware
Lockmode has an unusually strong track record. Aside from Apple, Amnesty International’s security lab says it has seen no evidence of such a breach, and Citizen Lab has documented cases where Lockdown Mode actually blocked sophisticated spyware attacks.
At the same time, the claim doesn’t mean that iPhones can’t be hacked. This only applies to devices with lockdown mode enabled and is based only on what Apple and researchers have observed so far.
Still, it’s rare that a security feature appears to be able to withstand the most sophisticated attacks. For users who need it, Lock Mode proves to be a powerful line of defense.
Always keep your device up to date
Researchers often find that attackers target devices that have not been updated in a timely manner. In fact, recent reports showed that iPhones running older versions of iOS 18 were vulnerable to the DarkSword exploit kit.
It’s a reminder that while features like lockdown mode provide strong protection, not everyone uses it, which is why regular software updates are even more important.
