Apple has confirmed that Theft Protection will be enabled by default for corporate devices updating from iOS 26.4 to iOS 26.4.1 and from iPadOS 26.4 to iPadOS 26.4.1. Here are the details.

iOS 26.4 had enabled this feature by default on non-corporate devices

Earlier today, Apple released iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1, with the release notes containing the standard information "This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone."

Shortly after, some developers noticed that this version fixed a CloudKit bug that had disrupted iCloud data synchronization.

Now, Apple has confirmed another change by updating the support page titled "Innovations for Corporate in iOS 26":

iOS 26.4.1

Theft Protection will be automatically enabled on devices updated from iOS 26.4 to iOS 26.4.1.

Similarly, Apple updated the page "Innovations for Corporate in iPadOS 26" with the same information regarding iPadOS 26.4.1.

Apple continues to enhance security on its devices

Today's step follows Apple's decision to enable Theft Protection by default for non-corporate devices in iOS 26.

This feature, released in 2024, requires biometric authentication for sensitive actions, such as changing saved passwords or account settings, when an iPhone is away from familiar locations. It also introduces a delay for certain high-risk changes to prevent unauthorized access.

Apple explains how this feature works:

With Theft Protection, some features and actions require additional security when your iPhone is away from familiar places (like home or work). These requirements help prevent someone who steals your iPhone and knows your password from making critical changes to your account or device.

  • Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication: Some actions, like accessing saved passwords and credit cards, require biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID so that only you can access them; there is no alternative or backup password.
  • Security Delay: Some security actions, like changing your Apple Account password, require you to wait an hour and then perform an additional Face ID or Touch ID authentication.

Today's update comes after a busy period for iOS security. Following the discovery of the Coruna and DarkSword vulnerabilities, Apple released updates to address security flaws in older and current iOS and iPadOS versions.

Additionally, this decision came just a day after Anthropic announced that its new model Mythos is particularly strong in finding vulnerabilities in operating systems and browsers.

In fact, Anthropic had previously reached out to many companies, including Apple, and offered a $100 million usage credit for Mythos to help identify and fix vulnerabilities before they could be exploited.

Although Apple's decision to enable Theft Protection by default on corporate devices with iOS 26.4.1 does not appear to be directly related to Coruna, DarkSword, or Mythos, it reflects Apple's efforts to provide stronger protections for its users.

For more information about Theft Protection, follow this link.

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