Lockdown Mode for iPhones, iPads, and Macs is announced by Apple

Lockdown mode is a new security feature that Apple has introduced to protect customers against malware that invades their privacy, such as Pegasus. 

As the name implies, the mode restricts several capabilities to increase the security of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs running macOS Ventura and iOS 16.

Lockdown mode in iOS 16 and macOS 13 Ventura

Messages, online surfing, wired connections, set up profiles, and Apple services like FaceTime are all promised to be protected by lockdown mode. 

Except for photos, the option will block most message attachment types once activated. Links in message previews will also be lost.

The just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation capability is among the “some complicated web technologies” that are disabled by the feature while surfing the web. 

However, you will have the option to exclude your reliable websites manually. The security mode will also prevent wired connections with a computer or device when locked in your iPhone.

The defense against incoming invites and service requests in Apple services, such as FaceTime calls, is also covered. 

Whenever a phone invite comes in from someone you haven’t spoken to before, the mode immediately rejects it. In Lockdown mode, you can also not enroll in mobile device management (MDM) or install configuration profiles.

According to Apple’s press release, “Lockdown Mode offers an extreme, optional level of security for the very few users who may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those from NSO Group and other private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware, because of who they are or what they do.

With the release of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura this autumn, lockdown mode will be available for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. In the future, Apple wants to add additional safeguards to the mode. 

The Cupertino behemoth has also introduced a new security bounty program with prizes of up to $2,000,000 for researchers who can get around Lockdown mode.