Apple says its iPhone Lockdown Mode has never been hacked by spyware — here’s how to turn it on
- The Trump Mobile T1 has passed through the FCC
- It’s a sign that we may eventually see a launch
- The handset was announced back in July 2025
If you’re an iPhone owner then you have the option of enabling Lockdown Mode, a super-secure configuration that adds extra protection for your device and data – and which Apple now says has never been breached.
We’re closing in on four years since Lockdown Mode was launched as part of iOS 16, and Apple spokesperson Sarah O’Rourke told TechCrunch that Apple believes the mode has never been breached by bad actors.
“We are not aware of any successful mercenary spyware attacks against a Lockdown Mode-enabled Apple device,” O’Rourke said, which will be reassuring to hear for everyone who has switched on this additional protection.
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The claim was backed up by other security analysts that TechCrunch spoke to, who said that they’d seen evidence of Lockdown Mode blocking well-known spyware campaigns – but no cases of Lockdown Mode-enabled devices being compromised.
What is Lockdown Mode — and how do you enable it?
Lockdown Mode is very comprehensive, which is why it’s off by default. Message attachments (apart from images), wired connections to other devices, and calls from unknown numbers are all blocked, for example.
There are also restrictions on websites in Safari. Apple describes the mode as “optional, extreme protection” against “the most sophisticated digital threats”, adding that “most people are never targeted by attacks of this nature”.
If you do want to make your iPhone as secure as it can be, and are prepared to put up with the trade-offs, you can do so via Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode. You can turn it on and off as you like, but a phone restart and PIN entry is required each time.
Lockdown Mode is available on iPads and Macs too, though you need to enable it separately on each device. For the majority of users, it’s not going to be needed — but it certainly has an impressive track record so far.
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The Trump Mobile T1 has passed through the FCC It’s a sign that we may eventually see a launch The handset was announced back in July 2025 If you’re an iPhone owner then you have the option of enabling Lockdown Mode, a super-secure configuration that adds extra protection for your…
