Apple’s Lockdown Mode limits iPhone features to thwart sophisticated spyware attacks
Apple’s Lockdown Mode adds strong protection against sophisticated spyware by disabling or restricting features that could be used to attack an iPhone. It is designed for people at particular risk, such as journalists, activists and politicians, rather than most users, who already have Apple’s standard security protections.
Available on iPhones with iOS 16 or later and several newer Apple operating systems, the mode blocks most message attachments and link previews, limits browser functions and FaceTime calls, and restricts some connections and Apple services. Researchers found devices using it were immune to the 2023 Blastpass exploit that installed Pegasus spyware; Apple also offers an enhanced security bounty for bypasses. Users can exempt contacts, websites or apps, but doing so reduces protection, while keeping the default settings can make everyday use less convenient.
In short
- Lockdown Mode is designed to defend against sophisticated spyware.
- It blocks or limits everyday features and services.
- Most people do not need its extra protection.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Lockdown Mode offers an important extra safeguard for people who may be targeted by sophisticated spyware, and researchers’ findings on the Blastpass exploit suggest these restrictions can prevent real attacks. For journalists, activists and others handling sensitive information, some inconvenience may be a reasonable price for reducing the risk of surveillance and protecting sources or personal safety.
The case against
The restrictions can disrupt ordinary communication and browsing, while most users already benefit from Apple’s standard security protections. For people who face little risk of targeted spyware, the added friction may outweigh the benefit; exemptions can restore convenience but also weaken the protection users enabled the mode to gain.
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Originally published by Engadget as “iPhone Lockdown Mode: The pros and cons of enabling Apple’s security feature”.