Magnet Forensics has reportedly found a way to bypass the Inactivity Reboot security feature, which Apple introduced in the update iOS 18.1. 404 Media's findings suggest that the creators of the popular unlocking tool GrayKey have developed a solution that allows a locked phone to retain its state for subsequent data extraction even after a forced restart.
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Complications for investigators and thieves
The Inactivity Reboot feature automatically restarts iPhone if it is not unlocked for 72 hours. This will return the device to maxThe minimum secure BFU (Before First Unlock) state, in which sensitive data is hard-protected by encryption keys until the correct code is entered for the first time. Pro This is a major hurdle for law enforcement, as it often takes more than three days to obtain a search warrant or transport a phone to a lab. The measure also makes it more difficult for thieves, as it shortens the time window for them to break into the less restrictive After First Unlock (AFU) state, during which more data remains accessible in the RAM.
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Freezing the state and manipulating time
According to a leaked video from early 2025, which was intended exclusively for law enforcement agencies, Magnet Forensics offers a new hardware device called GrayKey Preserve and a special Evidence Preservation Mode. These tools can capture and preserve iPhone in the AFU state even when it is physically rebooted or loses power. This allows investigators to safely freeze data without accessing it immediately, and wait for the necessary court order to search.
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The video doesn't provide any technical details about the process, but security researcher Jiska Classen believes the tool likely manipulates the iPhone's system clock or can selectively shut down processes responsible for data key expiration. AppNeither Lu nor Magnet Forensics have officially commented on the situation. The average user probably won't be too interested in the above. However, if this procedure helps to detect crime more, it will only be good.
