iPhone

Apple’s iOS is closed-source OS. That said, you can still use an iOS emulator to use, develop, and test iOS apps and games on Windows or Mac PC.

In this article, we have provided the best iOS emulator to run iPhone apps on pc.

ALSO READ: Best Android Emulators for Windows PC and Mac

Top 12 best iOS emulators to run iPhone Apps on PC

1. Smartface

The first iPhone emulator on the list is dedicated for app developers. Smartface can be used by developers to test their applications at different resolutions for various iPhones and iPads.

Moreover, Smartface eliminates the need of using a MacOS computer to test and develop iOS apps. Smartface is perfect for professional users as this iOS emulator starts from $99.

Best Features

• Ideal emulator for testing cross-platform iOS apps.
• Feature-packed iPhone emulator.
• Functions as an Android and iOS debugger.

VISIT Smartface

2. iPhone Simulator

The next iOS emulator on the list is iPhone Simulator. This software allows users to use and interact with iOS apps and games.

The UI of this simulator is identical to that of original iOS, but the UX is different. Consequently, its a simulator and not an emulator. You can use this iOS simulator for playing iOS games on Windows PC.

Lastly, you can’t access App Store using this simulator.

Best Features

• The UI is identical to iOS.
• iPhone Simulator offers a realistic simulation.
• Access to the clock, calculator, notepad and iOS system preferences.

DOWNLOAD iPhone Simulator

3. iPadian

iPadian is one of the most popular iPhone emulators that offers a clean UI that is similar to iOS. Since its a proper emulator you can interact with applications.

Using iPadian, you can run only apps which were designed primarily for the iPadian simulator. It is worth noting that, you won’t be able to access the official App Store.

iPadian costs around $20 and requires Adobe Air for proper functioning on your PC.

Best Features

• Simple and self-explanatory UI
• Consumes low resources
• iPadian can be used to play dozens of iOS games and apps

DOWNLOAD iPadian 

4. AIR iPhone

Next iPhone emulator on the list is AIR iPhone. This iOS emulator has a UI that resembles iOS 6. Well, you can use this emulator for playing games and using iOS applications.

It is worth noting that, you need Adobe AIR framework for this application to work correctly. Developers can use this emulator for testing the layout before finally compiling the application.

AIR iPhone emaulator lacks doesn’t support some main applications like Safari and App Store.

Best Features 

• Simple and intuitive UI.
• Reproduces the iPhone’s GUI.
• Hassle-free installation.

DOWNLOAD Air iPhone

5. MobiOne Studios

Another impressive iPhone emulator on the list is MobiOne Studios. Well, MobiOne is a discontinued emulator that can be still downloaded and used.

MobiOne is a perfect service for developing cross-platform apps that run both on Android and iOS. Furthermore, this emulator runs even on low-spec computers.

MobiOne can even replicate the notification panel that resembles ios 7.

Best Feature

• Renders pleasing graphics
• Perfect for testing cross-platform apps and games
• Consumes low resources

DOWNLOAD MobiOne 

7. App.io

App.io is another professional iOS emulator that works online. To use the emulator and test apps or games before finalising the code, upload iOS app .zip file or Android.Apk file.

Once uploaded, you can properly interact with your application and test it yourself. App.io provides a capable ecosystem for checking and enhancing applications.

Once you sync your iOS app with App.io you can use this cloud-based service on Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

Best Features

• 7-days free trial for testing the emulator before purchasing.
• Lagfree and simplistic UI
• App.io streams your mobile apps from the cloud to any device

VISIT App.io

8. Appetize.io

Appetize.io is a powerful iPhone emulator for PC and an alternative to App.io. Well, you can use Appetize.io for developing and testing iOS apps. Similar to App.io, you have to upload the iOS or Android application that you want to use and test.

Since Appetize.io is a cloud-based iOS emulator it eliminates the need of downloading additional software.

You can use Appetize.io completely free for about 100 minutes per month. Once you cross the 100 minutes limit you will be charged $0.05 per minute.

Best Features

• Upload your app either through website or API.
• Runs iOS & Android apps within a web browser on any computer.
• Easy access to network traffic, debug logs, and video recordings.

VISIT Appetize.io

9. Xamarin TestFlight

Xamarin TestFlight is the next iPhone emulator. Well, it is the official Apple emulator that is created for testing the apps developed for iOS.

It is worth noting, that Xamarin TestFlight is not meant for beginners, there’s some learning curve to use this emulator to its full potential. You can upload your app and check its compatibility on different iOS devices.

Furthermore, Xamarin TestFlight can only run applications that are developed for iOS 8 or later.

Best Features

• Official emulator from Apple.
• Runs applications and games developed for iOS 8 or later.
• Perfect for testing the application in multiple aspects.

Visit Xamarin TestFlight

10. Remoted iOS Simulator

Remoted iOS simulator does exactly as the name suggests. The Remoted iOS Simulator for Windows allows developers to test their apps on an iOS simulator.

This iPhone emulator works alongside Visual Studio 2017. Remoted iOS simulator is simple to use and helps developers to properly interact with their apps.

Moreover, Remoted iOS simulator offers dozens of nifty features like home, screenshot, shake gestures, and much more.

Best Features

• Simplest emulator for testing iOS applications on PC
• Impressive debugging features

DOWNLOAD Remoted iOS Simulator

11. iMame

iMame is a perfect emulator for playing iOS games. Actually, iMAME is a modified Android version from open-sourced MAME project.

It emulates arcade games supported by MAME which includes over 8000 different ROMs. Consequently, you can use this emulator for playing iOS9/iOS10 games.

The downloading and installation process of iOS games on iMame is straightforward. That said, iMame isn’t the best emulator out there but it gets the job done.

Best Features

• Ideal for playing iOS games
• Supports cheats for over 8000 games

DOWNLOAD iMame

12. Electric Mobile Studio

The last iOS emulator on the list is Electric Mobile Studio that is solely dedicated to developing and testing iOS applications and games.

In simple words, Electric Mobile Studio is a windows-friendly iOS web development, profiling, and testing tool.

Using Electric Mobile Studio you can test your apps both for iPhone and iPad. Electric Mobile Studio provides dozens of nifty features that make developing and testing apps a breeze.

Best Features

• HTML5 Feature Control
• Responsive Design Tools For Hyper-Productive Design

DOWNLOAD Electric Mobile Studio

CONCLUSION

So these were the 10 best iPhone emulator, that can be used for either professional apps development and testing or just to try out iOS.

Do share any other iOS emulator that you use in the comments section below.

Flaw in Apple’s iOS 12 allows an attacker to access contacts and photos in iPhone XS model

A passcode bypass vulnerability has been discovered in Apple’s new iOS version 12 that could allow an attacker to access photos and contact details on a locked iPhone XS as well as other Apple devices.

Jose Rodriguez, a Spain-based clerk who claims to be an Apple enthusiast, discovered the vulnerability released a video on his YouTube channel under the account name Videosdebarraquito that shows a complicated 37-step bypass process in Spanish.

The process involves tricking Siri, Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader feature, and Notes application. The video also shows that the method works on iPhones running the iOS 12.1 beta and iOS 12, including models which have Face ID or Touch ID biometric security.

However, in order to take advantage of the vulnerability, the targeted iPhone must be in the hands of the attacker to work. The vulnerability allows the attacker to access images by editing a contact and changing the image associated with that contact.

Although Apple had built in some security measures to stop this from taking place, the video below shows that Rodriguez figured out a way to sidestep those security barriers.

The above bypass method has been authenticated by an independent news site, Threatpost. This passcode bypass works on any iPhone running iOS 12 and on various iPhone models including iPhone XS. Besides this, the hack also allowed access to other features such as the entire address book, it allowed to make calls, and create a custom text message.

It appears that the flaw has not been patched by Apple with the iOS 12.1 beta. The Cupertino giant has yet to comment on the issue.

For those concerned can prevent this attack by navigating to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (that’s Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (on iPhones with Touch ID) and disabling the Siri toggle under the “Allow access when locked” menu.

Also Read: iPhone XS And iPhone XS Max: Specifications, Features, And Pricing

‘iPhone xx’ reference found in Xcode 10, features A 2-Year-Old A10 Processor and can be iPhone SE2

Apple is expected to unveil three new iPhone models, a 5.8-inch OLED, 6.1-inch LCD, and 6.5-inch OLED on September 12. With less than a month to go for the launch, new reports regarding the still unannounced 6.1-inch LCD budget iPhone has cropped up.

iOS developer and 9to5Mac reporter Guilherme Rambo, spotted a reference to an unreleased budget iPhone in Apple’s new suite of development tools, Xcode 10, on Tuesday.

The snippet code has references to an “iPhone xx” in the Xcode 10 thinning options with its model identifier being “iPhone9,7”. This device, which is internally called LCP with the model number N84 could be the “low-cost iPhone”.

What is more interesting is that this ‘iPhone 9,7’ is expected to run Apple’s A10 Fusion processor, which was launched originally on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. It is also expected to feature a DCI-P3 LCD panel.

Apple A10 processor, P3 display, same artwork subtype as iPhone 7. This matches what a next generation iPhone SE with iPhone 7 internals would look like. pic.twitter.com/R85I96Hksy

— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) August 22, 2018

T500 / iPhone 9,7 – iPhone 7 replacement ("iPhone SE2")
N84 / iPhone 11,1 – 6.1" LCD (notch, Face ID, dual sim option)
D3x / iPhone 11,3 – 5.8" OLED (notch, Face ID)
D3x / iPhone 11,5 – 6.5" OLED (notch, Face ID)

— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) August 22, 2018

Also, the references made to the budget iPhone variant in Apple’s Xcode software suggest that the device could succeed iPhone SE, which was announced in 2016. This means that it is possible that the smartphone could be likely called ‘iPhone SE2’.

• Apple iPhone SE 2 Specifications, Features, Price And Launch Date

Further, this ‘iPhone 9,7’ 6.1-inch budget LCD iPhone is expected to feature Face ID, 3GB of RAM, a single camera set-up at the rear, and a bezel-less design similar to other iPhones. The handset is also expected to sport dual-SIM functionality and may come in a variety of colors. This budget-friendly device is expected to cost around $699.

Apple is yet to comment on the upcoming iPhones. Keep watching this space for more updates, as this is a developing story!

iPhones face ban in India if Apple does not approve TRAI’s DND app

Technology giant Apple’s war with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been going on for some time now over the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app.

For those unaware, TRAI has designed the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app, which allows users to report spam marketing as well as promotional messages and calls. While the application has been available on Android for quite some time now, Apple has refused to list it on its App Store citing that the app seeks permission to record user’s calls and messages, which breach of user’s data privacy. Additionally, Apple has argued that it would make an in-house app instead of TRAI’s DND app to safeguard the user’s data.

Earlier this week, TRAI announced a new set of regulations that could see millions of iPhones getting deactivated in India if it does not agree to it. The telecom regulator has announced the ‘Telecom commercial communications customer preference regulations, 2018’ under which it has proposed to “derecognize” devices that bar installation of TRAI’s DND app.

“Every Access Provider shall ensure that preferences recorded or modified by the subscriber are given effect to in near real time and in such a manner that no delivery of commercial communication is made or blocked in contravention to the subscribers’ preference after twenty-four hours or such time as the Authority may prescribe,” said TRAI in its report.

“Provided that where such devices do not permit functioning of such Apps as prescribed in regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d), Access Providers shall, on the order or direction of the Authority, derecognize such devices from their telecom networks,” it added.

The regulator in section 6(2)(e) points out that every access provider has to set up “Customer Preference Registration Facility (CPRF)” and provide a “mobile app developed in this regard either by the Authority or by any other person or entity and approved by the Authority.”

According to the TRAI’s new guidelines, all telecom operators in the country will have to ensure that the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app 2.0 version is installed on all smartphone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for the functioning of such Apps as prescribed in the regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d).

Under the new guidelines, if Apple does not comply with TRAI’s requirements and does not list the DND app on its App Store, then TRAI will direct telecom operators in the country to deregister iPhones from their network. This would cause Apple lose out on the smartphone front from the rivals and also cause inconvenience to millions of iPhone users in India. Currently, the new DND 2.0 version app is available for Android users only.

Apple is reportedly contemplating legal action against TRAI over the mandatory installation of the DND app, according to insiders with knowledge of the ongoing issue. The company said that TRAI can’t force telecom operators to ‘take any action which is not in their ambit like barring handsets from their network’.

Apple also has gradually modified its operating system to allow third-party applications to plug into the calling and messaging frameworks in a limited way, with CallKit in iOS 10 and SMS filtering in iOS 11.

According to Apple, the iOS 12 will bring a native spam filtering feature, that will allow users to effortlessly report spam calls and text messages directly from the operating system. “These features will take care of what TRAI wants – to check unwanted calls and messages. So, the new rule has come as a surprise”, a company insider was quoted as saying by the Economic Times.

In May, TRAI had released a draft version of the regulation that was approved on Thursday. Many have voiced their objections to the “derecognize” clause, particularly the Indian Cellular Association (ICA), a body that represents the interests of mobile phone manufactures and other players in the Indian market. In a letter to the telecom regulator on June 11, ICA had noted its objections to TRAI’s proposals.

The letter said “it would be patently wrong to give an powers in the hands of telecom operators to start judging which device should continue and which should be ‘derecognized from its telecom network’” and the regulator “had no jurisdiction over device manufactures.”

The body added that TRAI’s regulation places “millions of consumers in harm’s way” who “may simply not want to have such an app on their devices, or they may be on a platform that does not support the functionality in the manner in which TRAI is describing it.” It said this was an “additional mandate” that was unnecessary when many other options were already available to customers.

Airtel and Vodafone had also objected. Airtel, in its response to TRAI’s draft regulation had noted, among other things, that “the suggestion of a new app (clause 6(2)(e) for registering the preference tantamount to creating an additional set-up and infrastructure without any value addition. This can be done away with as the operators can just sync this feature in their existing apps.”

On the other hand, Vodafone commented that among other things, TRAI’s regulation would require “huge cost” to be implemented.

Apple iPhone in 2019 may come with a triple camera setup, and offer features like 3D sensing and 3X zoom

Citing a research note from Deutsche Securities analyst Jialin Lu, the Taiwanese site Economic Daily News have reported that at least one new iPhone model to be released next year will feature a triple camera system on the back. According to the report, the triple camera setup will come with a 3D depth sensing and enhanced zoom.

According to the analyst Lu, two out of three cameras will have advanced 3D sensing capabilities via stereoscopic vision, which will enable it to capture images of a single object from different angles. Also, a triangulation method would be used to get the distance between the iPhone and the object. Further, the rear-facing 3D sensing capabilities would be used for augmented reality (AR) purposes. It will function like the TrueDepth system found on the iPhone X, which is the technology that enables the Face ID feature.

In the meantime, the third lens, according to Lu, will have a longer focal length and will introduce 3x optical zoom, making it the best zoom ever offered in an iPhone. Currently, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X models only have 2x zooming capabilities.

AR has always been the favorite subject of Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. In fact last year, Apple had released its ARkit for developers to use in iPhone and iPad on iOS 11. If a triple-lens camera iPhone is launched in 2019, it will only further thrust Apple’s investment in AR technology and create a platform for the AR/VR headset.

At present, the Huawei P20 Pro is the only smartphone to offer a triple camera system, featuring a 40MP RGB camera, a 20MP monochrome camera, and an 8MP camera with a telephoto lens plus up to 3x optical zoom.

iPhones will reportedly get NFC updates that will allow you to unlock doors, cars and make transit fares

Apple is set to upgrade iPhones by extending the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature beyond its capabilities, reports The Information. In other words, the upcoming update in iiPhones’NFC will help users interact with smart locks, unlock house doors, automobiles, building security systems, healthcare businesses, and even mass transit payment facilities.

Apparently, Apple employees have already been using the updated features to access offices and buildings at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino via their iPhones.

For those uninitiated, the NFC (near-field communication) chip feature was added in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S in 2014 to allow for contactless information exchanges and is limited to Apple Pay and mobile payments. Compared to Bluetooth, NFC is a more secure way of authentication.

According to MacRumors, “The change to the near-field communication, or NFC, chip, which is expected to be announced next month, could pave the way for people to use iPhones for other security-sensitive interactions, from paying transit fares and opening car doors to verifying their identity in other ways.”

Since 2014, Apple has been working with HID Global, a security identity company, to give iPhone capabilities via NFC chip to unlock the offices and buildings.

According to The Information, Apple is going to reveal the new capabilities of NFC chip at the company’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which takes place from June 4 to June 8. Once the feature is updated, even the older iPhones made in 2014 would be able to

New iPhone SE 2 could get wireless charging, glass back like Apple’s iPhone X

In March 2016, Apple had launched its popular budget handset, the iPhone SE. It’s been two years since it has been released and Apple is still selling plenty of the smaller, 4-inch iPhone SEs. In the interim, Apple also upgraded the iPhone SE to 32GB and 128GB variants in March 2017 from the previous 16GB and 64GB storage options.

Since the iPhone SE has been released there have been rumors of Apple working on a new version of SE with modern features. If rumors are to be believed, the new device is expected to boast some big iPhone X features.

• Apple iPhone SE 2 Specifications, Features, Price And Launch Date

Lending weight to these rumors, mobile leaker and renderer Ben Geskin who has a good track record of accurate Apple-related information has claimed that the iPhone SE 2 is “coming soon” and that it will feature wireless charging and a glass back.

He tweeted: “New iPhone (probably SE2) coming soon – code name: Jaguar. Glass Case, Wireless Charging, In Mass Production already.”

New iPhone (probably SE2) coming soon – code name: Jaguar
Glass Case, Wireless Charging, In Mass Production already. pic.twitter.com/vhcq71VPxJ

— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) April 21, 2018

Does this mean that the iPhone SE 2 might debut in Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) that takes place between June 4-8? With no official confirmation from Apple yet, we will have to wait and watch.

Previous rumors suggested that the new iPhone SE 2 would feature the same 4-inch display as its predecessor, the iPhone SE. It is rumored to be powered by an Apple A10 Fusion processor and will come with 2GB of RAM. The device will be available in two storage variants, 32GB and 128GB. There are also rumors that the iPhone SE 2 could have an all-screen design, like the iPhone X and may feature the Touch ID sensor and a physical Home button.

The handset is also expected to get some upgraded cameras. Currently, the existing device features a 12MP rear camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera. The iPhone SE 2 is likely to be available in silver, gold, and space grey.

The iPhone SE is currently available in 32GB and 128GB versions for $349 and $449 respectively. We expect the iPhone SE 2 to be similarly priced when (and if) it launches.

Want to erase all privacy data on iPhone and better protect your personal information? Aiseesoft FoneEraser is the best data removing tool to do that

Why FoneEraser Is the Best iPhone Erasing Tool

After the Facebook privacy crisis, are you pay more attention to your personal information?

In fact, you may freak yourself out if you realize how much of your information stored by Facebook, Google and other apps. For instance, Google stores your location every time you turn on the phone, knows everything you’ve ever searched, and Facebook stores everything from your stickers to login location. Go without saying that, your iPhone must carry lots of important data about you.

So it’s very necessary to delete all iPhone files thoroughly when you want to sell it on eBay. Considering that, you need to find a reliable iPhone eraser tool to get the job done. Facing so many choices in the market, which iPhone eraser is the best for you to remove all iPhone data clearly? Through lots of tests, we found Aiseesoft FoneEraser. And here is why.

Why FoneEraser Is the Best iPhone Erasing Tool

Aiseesoft FoneEraser is one powerful utility to erase all iPhone content and settings permanently and thoroughly. It provides three erasing levels optionally. You can erase any data on iPhone/iPad/iPod to better protect your privacy. This iPhone eraser tool also enables you to remove all files and settings on more than one iOS device (iPhone/iPad/iPod) simultaneously to save your time.

Erase all files and settings

For all contents related to your personal information like Music, Videos, Photos, Contacts, Text Messages/iMessages, Call history, Calendar, Notes, Reminder, Safari bookmark, iBooks, Podcast, iTunes U, Ringtones, Audio Books, Voice Memos, App, documents and various settings, FoneEraser can remove them permanently. You can get a 100% privacy guard.

Three erasing levels

Whether you want to erase confidential documents, or just delete common files, you can get a suitable erasing way from the three levels offered.

Low level: Remove data quickly with overwriting data only one time.

Medium level: Delete iPhone files with overwriting data twice.

High level: Destroy data thoroughly with overwriting data three times.

Support all iOS devices

This powerful iOS data cleaning software highly support any popular iOS device, such as iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s/5c/5/4S/4/3GS, iPad Pro/Air 2/mini 4, iPod touch 6/5, etc.

You should know that, many recovery tools on the internet can help users to recover deleted/lost iOS files. In that case, when you choose an iPhone eraser, the most important part is the unrecoverable property. After deleting data with FoneEraser, all erased files won’t be recovered by any recovering tool on the market. It will 100% guarantee your privacy safe. That’s why FoneEraser will always be your best choice when you want to delete everything on iPhone thoroughly.

Apple introduces (PRODUCT) RED iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus; available for order from today

Apple yesterday officially announced the launch of the new generation of iPhones, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be enclosed in glass with a matching aluminum band and a black front. Both the iPhones will sport Retina HD display and will be powered by an A11 Bionic chip, which is specifically designed to enhance the augmented reality (AR) experience. The iPhone 8 Plus features dual 12MP cameras, which are capable of taking photos in Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, bringing dramatic studio lighting effects to iPhone, allowing customers to capture stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field effect in five different lighting styles.

In addition, Apple also introduced a new (PRODUCT) RED iPhone X leather folio case crafted from finished European leather for $99, which will be available for purchase from today.

The aim of launching the red variants of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus is to support (RED), an organization that raises awareness and funds to help combat HIV/AIDS.

“This special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone features a stunning red and black color combination and also offers customers the opportunity to make an impact in fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing.

A portion of all proceeds from the products goes to the Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants, which provide testing, counseling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.

Since partnering with (RED) in 2006, Apple has donated more than $160 million to the Global Fund, making it the organization’s largest corporate donor.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence of Apple’s leadership in and commitment to the AIDS fight since the beginning of (RED) in 2006,” said Deborah Dugan, (RED)’s CEO. “The more than $160 million Apple has donated in the last 11 years today equates to more than 800 million days of life-saving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies. We’re honored that Apple has dedicated its resources to our purpose, and can’t wait to see customers bring our mission to life through the purchase of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition.”

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition will be available in 64GB and 256GB models with a starting price of $699. Starting today, the iPhones are available to order online in select countries and regions and in stores beginning April 13.

The iPhones will start arriving in stores on April 13 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the U.K. and, of course, the United States. These will be followed by Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE and other countries and regions later in April, and Chile, Colombia, India, Israel, Turkey and other countries and regions following in May.

Source: Apple Newsroom

Police are using fingerprints of dead suspects to access Apple iPhones

Until now, there was only news of law enforcement agencies using fingerprints of a dead person to unlock iPhones for investigation purposes. However, according to a new report from Forbes, confirms this practice has been in use for a couple of years already by the police and law enforcement agencies.

FBI forensics specialist Bob Moledor told Forbes that the first known case of police using a deceased person’s fingerprints was in November 2016, when they tried unlocking the iPhone 5s model of Abdul Razak Ali Artan, who had mowed down a group of people in his car, and gone on a stabbing spree with a butcher’s knife. He was later shot dead by a police officer on the grounds of Ohio State University. However, the legal officials couldn’t unlock Artan’s device with his lifeless fingerprint, and iPhone was later sent to a forensic lab to retrieve information.

“Unfortunately for the FBI, Artan’s lifeless fingerprint didn’t unlock the device (an iPhone 5 model, though Moledor couldn’t recall which. Touch ID was introduced in the iPhone 5S).

“In the hours between his death and the attempt to unlock, when the feds had to go through legal processes regarding access to the smartphone, the iPhone had gone to sleep and when reopened required a passcode,” Moledor told Forbes.

The method of unlocking iPhones using the fingerprints of their deceased owners is “relatively common” for authorities in New York and Ohio who use it to access iPhones holding potentially important information, sources close to police investigations said.

“The technique has been used in overdose cases,” Forbes explains, “In such instances, the victim’s phone could contain information leading directly to the dealer.”

Apparently, “it’s entirely legal for police to use the technique, even if there might be some ethical quandaries to consider.”

Marina Medvin, owner of Medvin Law, told Forbes that once a person is deceased, they no longer have a privacy interest in their dead body.

Medvin added, “Once you share information with someone, you lose control over how that information is protected and used. You cannot assert your privacy rights when your friend’s phone is searched and the police see the messages that you sent to your friend. Same goes for sharing information with the deceased – after you released information to the deceased, you have lost control of privacy.”

Robert Cutshall, an Ohio police homicide detective who worked on the Artan case said that police is aware too. “We do not need a search warrant to get into a victim’s phone, unless it’s shared owned,” he said.

In some cases this has been successfully used, while others not so much merely because of the time lapsed in between.

With advancements in ever-changing smartphone security, unlock smartphones using Face ID technology might be even easier than spoofing Touch ID.

Marc Rogers, researcher and head of information security at Cloudflare told Forbes, “While Face ID is supposed to use your attention in combination with natural eye movement, so fake or non-moving eyes can’t unlock devices…the tech can be fooled simply using photos of open eyes.” However, Apple continues to claim that Face ID technology cannot be easily deceived and is more secure than Touch ID. There have been no cases of police unlocking a person’s iPhone with Face ID reported until now, says Rogers.

Do let us know what you think of police using a dead person’s fingerprint to unlock their iPhone in the comments sections below.

Source: Forbes