Lockdown Mode Expanding to Apple Watch With watchOS 10

[MacRumors]

With iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura last year, Apple introduced Lockdown Mode, an optional security setting designed to protect the "very small number" of users who may be at risk of "highly targeted cyberattacks" from companies developing state-sponsored spyware, such as journalists, activists, and government employees.

Starting with iOS 17 and watchOS 10, enabling Lockdown Mode on an iPhone also turns on Lockdown Mode on a paired Apple Watch. Apple says Lockdown Mode provides an "extreme" level of security, with strict limitations on apps, websites, and features.

At launch, Lockdown Mode included the following protections:

• In the Messages app, most message attachment types other than images are blocked, and some features like link previews are unavailable.
• Incoming FaceTime calls from people you have not previously called are blocked. Incoming invitations for other Apple services from people you have not previously invited are also blocked.
• In Safari and other WebKit browsers, some complex web technologies and browsing features, including just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode.
• Shared albums are removed in the Photos app, and shared album invitations are blocked.
• When a device is locked, wired connections with other devices/accessories are blocked.
• Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM), while Lockdown Mode is turned on.

In a press release last week, Apple said it is expanding Lockdown Mode's protections to encompass "safer wireless connectivity defaults, media handling, media sharing defaults, sandboxing, and network security optimizations."

Article Link: Lockdown Mode Expanding to Apple Watch With watchOS 10

 

[k1121j]

I'm Glad people have the option for an extra layer of security.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Good stuff.

And remember, with the Apple Vision, devs can't see what you are looking at.

Facebook Meta and the rest?

Well how are they going to market you toilet paper if they don't see you in the bathroom?

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

This is one of the best features on Apple products

 

[commander.data]

In the model of Lockdown mode, I wonder if Apple will comply with EU regulations on third-party app stores, third-party payments, third-party integration into iMessage, etc by consolidating those requirements into some type of "Open" mode alongside the current "Normal" mode and Lockdown modes? Devices sold in the EU can then default to "Open" mode to comply with regulations while devices everywhere else default to "Normal" mode. The mode of all devices can later be changed in Settings.

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

Timmy and Co will still get all the secret calls home though. Apple always know what you're doing.

 

[TimHalfCooked]

Lockdown mode is awesome. No one but China can access my devices now.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Can't wait to lock down my iWatch.

 

[applefan69]

In the model of Lockdown mode, I wonder if Apple will comply with EU regulations on third-party app stores, third-party payments, third-party integration into iMessage, etc by consolidating those requirements into some type of "Open" mode alongside the current "Normal" mode and Lockdown modes? Devices sold in the EU can then default to "Open" mode to comply with regulations while devices everywhere else default to "Normal" mode. The mode of all devices can later be changed in Settings.

edit my bad I misunderstood you at first. Not a terrible way around the legislation. Everyone wins with that solution.

 

[BGPL]

Can't have Timmy hearing my calls to my wife. What a national security disaster that would be.

Me: Hi babe, is the line secure?
Her: Going secure now. Proceed with your transmission.
Me: Did I leave my wallet by the front door?
Her: Negative.
*Phone clicks*
Her: We've been had, this is not a secure line!
Me: Meet at the rendezvous point!
Her: This was a one way trip for me babe, we knew that.
Me: God d*mmit, no!
*sounds of a silencer firing two rounds*
CALL ENDS

Sophisticated cyber attack? Maybe I'm naive.

 

[iPhoneOverAndroid]

Can't wait to lock down my iWatch.

If I were paranoid about my privacy (and I am not saying people don't have a good reason to be), I would leave my smart watch at home. One less set of Wi-Fi, cellular, & Bluetooth signals shadowing me everywhere I go.

 

[svish]

Extra security option is good to have.

 

[_Spinn_]

Glad to see this coming to the Apple Watch.