One of the common unlocking methods on Android is “pattern unlock“is. Pattern lock unlocks the device by swiping a pattern preset by the user.
Many users find pattern unlocking more convenient than entering a passcode, but the iPhone does not have this feature. The reason for this is explained by Apple Explained, a YouTube channel that is familiar with Apple.
*Category：technology Technology｜*Source：Apple Explained,wikipedia
Why Apple Doesn’t Allow iPhone Pattern Unlocking
The reason Apple isn’t introducing a pattern unlock feature to iOS is that it believes this unlocking method has security issues. Research over the past decade has shown that pattern unlocking is the worst security way to protect your device.
A particular problem is the risk of being “peeped”. In one experiment, a technique called “shoulder surfing” was tested, in which the unlocking method was viewed from behind.
As a result of verification, it was found that 64% of people could memorize and reproduce the pattern unlocking with one viewing. In addition, it seems that it will increase to 80% if you see it several times.
On the other hand, it was reported that 11% of those who watched the video once and only 27% of those who watched it twice were able to remember the 6-digit passcode.
Security engineering professor Ross Anderson says that “passcodes are pretty effective” compared to pattern locks. That’s because it’s harder to see and remember which digits you press when entering a passcode than with visual cues like patterns.
Furthermore, in the case of pattern unlock, the correct pattern will remain displayed on the screen. However, this is not the case with passcodes.
These vulnerabilities are why Apple doesn’t include pattern unlocking in their devices.
It seems like giving users this option is fine as long as they’re warned of the risks, but that goes against Apple’s philosophy. Our goal is to provide the best practical technology in the simplest possible way.
Pattern unlocking may be simple, but it’s never the best. By offering pattern unlock as an iOS security option, users are exposed to vulnerabilities that defeat the purpose of keeping their devices locked.
Apple takes care to ensure that your data cannot be accessed by anyone nearby. By providing just a passcode, Apple keeps the user experience streamlined, simple, and secure. It can be said that one of the reasons why Apple products continue to be chosen is because of this “Apple philosophy” that tries to protect users.