Skip to main content
X

Send us a Topic or Tip

Have a suggestion for the blog? Perhaps a topic you'd like us to write about? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Fancy yourself a writer and have a tech tip, handy computer trick, or "how to" to share? Let us know what you'd like to contribute!

Thanks for reaching out!

Apple Adds Passcode Requirements for Touch ID-Enabled iDevices

TouchIDUsers might have noticed recently that Apple has quietly strengthened its passcode requirements for iPhone or iPads with the Touch ID feature enabled.

Users are now required to enter their passcode when their iDevice has not been unlocked with the passcode for six days and has not been unlocked via Touch ID in the past eight hours.

Macworld first reported the new restriction and also pointed out inconsistencies in Apple’s statement on the topic.

“Users (including this reporter) began noticing this change in the last several weeks, even though an Apple spokesperson says it was added in the first release of iOS 9. However, a bullet point describing this restriction only appeared in the iOS Security Guide on May 12, 2016, according to the guide’s internal PDF timestamp. Apple declined to explain the rationale for this restriction.”

More commonly, iDevices require a passcode unlock if it is restarted or it hasn’t been unlocked in 48 hours. There are other times it is required, for example, when new fingers are added to Touch ID or after several unsuccessful Touch ID logins. It’s unclear what prompted the new restriction or why the period of time for the new lockout was chosen.

Of course, Apple and the security of iPhones have been in the spotlight recently after the high-profile case involving the U.S. government and San Bernardino shooter Syed Ryzwan Farook’s iPhone 5c.

OWC Newsfeed
the authorOWC Newsfeed
The OWC Newsfeed provides the latest OWC, MacSales.com, Rocket Yard, and industry news, information, and announcements for your reading pleasure and shareability!
Be Sociable, Share This Post!

Leave a Reply