Nearly four years after Apple introduced Lockdown Mode, the company says the feature remains undefeated. In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple confirmed it is not aware of a single case where a device was successfully hacked while this mode was enabled.
Launched in 2022, Lockdown Mode works by essentially “breaking” parts of your iPhone to make it safer. It turns off complex web technologies, blocks most message attachments, and stops incoming FaceTime calls from strangers. By stripping away these bells and whistles, Apple removes the entry points that hackers use to sneak into a device.
This 100% success claim comes at a critical moment for mobile security. Just this week, cybersecurity researchers sounded the alarm over DarkSword and Coruna, two new hacking kits that recently leaked on GitHub.
These tools are designed to target older iPhones running outdated software. Because the code is now public, what used to be a weapon reserved for elite government spies is now available to common criminals. Experts warn that these kits make it way too easy for anyone with basic technical skills to steal messages, photos, and even Wi-Fi passwords.
While Apple’s latest software updates like iOS 26.3 already patch these specific holes, the company pointed out that Lockdown Mode serves as an additional layer of armor. Even on older systems, the feature is designed to block the very methods these new leaks rely on.
Despite its perfect record, Apple isn’t suggesting that everyone should flip the switch today. Lockdown Mode is described as “extreme” and “optional” for a reason.
When you enable it, your phone won’t feel like the device you’re used to. Websites might load slowly or look strange because certain fonts and images are blocked. You won’t see link previews in your texts, and you can’t even plug your phone into a computer unless it’s already unlocked.
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