Isolation mode in iOS 16 on your iPhone is one of the new security options that Apple is introducing. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about this special Lockdown mode for your iPhone!
Isolation mode available in iOS 16
A new feature in iOS 16 is Isolation Mode. In English, this part is called ‘Lockdown Mode’ and is designed to counter cyber attacks. As a normal user, you don’t have to worry about that, but it’s nice to have this on hand in case of a digital emergency.
Turning on isolation mode disables many features on your iPhone. You can read below what this function does exactly and how to turn it on.
Which functions stop working in isolation mode?
IT’er Alexis Lours has in his blog explained in detail what happens when you enable isolation mode on iOS 16. After several tests, he found out that isolation mode ensures that, among other things, JavaScript can no longer be executed in the browser.
JavaScript is a scripting language to make websites interactive, for example by expanding a menu. Many websites use JavaScript for all kinds of purposes, but it is also regularly used by malicious parties. Without getting too technical: by disabling JavaScript, these functions can no longer be used.
The same thing happens with ‘WebAssembly’ (a lightning-fast programming language for websites). By turning on the isolation mode, this is also stopped and malicious parties can no longer use this to track you, for example.
Important Limitations of Isolation Mode in iOS 16
Also, various file formats such as MP3, JPEG, PDF previews and fonts can no longer load your iPhone with iOS 16 in isolation mode. The phone does this to ensure that cyber attacks hidden in these files do not reach your phone.
FaceTime and other connections are restricted
In addition, if you enable isolation mode in iOS 16, you only get access to FaceTime calls from known numbers. Furthermore, your iPhone removes the iCloud Shared Albums from the Photos app and your device can no longer communicate with external devices such as game controllers. Connections via the Lightning cable are also blocked.
Turn on Isolation Mode in iOS 16
All these restrictions are, of course, in most cases superfluous and (secretly a bit) exaggerated. Yet there is a group of users for whom this new function is ideal. Think of politicians, journalists and activists. Even if you suspect that you are being attacked digitally, turning on isolation mode in iOS 16 can provide a lot of peace of mind.
The feature is off by default, but you can manually activate it in Settings. Tap on ‘Privacy and Security’ and at the bottom you will see ‘Isolation mode’. You must then restart your iPhone.
iOS 16: Trying Public Beta
iOS 16 is expected to come to your iPhone this fall. Developers and users alike can try the iOS 16 public beta right now. Want to install iOS 16 right away? Then read the article below.
Read more: iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas now available – here’s how to install the updates
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