Apple announces new ‘Lockdown Mode’ launching with iOS 16, designed to offer ‘extreme’ security for high-risk users

Apple has today announced ‘Lockdown Mode’ coming this fall with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, offering “extreme” security to protect users who may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.

Created for the very small number of users who face “grave, targeted threats to their digital security,” Apple says Lockdown Mode is an extreme, optional protection that hardens device defenses and strictly limits certain functionalities, sharply reducing the attack surface that potentially could be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware.

With Lockdown Mode enabled, most message attachment types other than images are blocked. Some features, like link previews, in Messages will be disabled, incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, will be blocked if the user has not previously sent the initiator a call or request, wired connections with a computer or accessory will be blocked when an iPhone is locked, and devices will not be able to enroll into mobile device management (MDM).

Apple says it will continue to strengthen Lockdown Mode and add new protections to it over time.