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Apple recently added a new passcode requirement rule for iPhones with Touch ID enabled, according to MacWorld. The new rule requires a user to enter a passcode when an iPhone or iPad has met two conditions: the device has not been unlocked via a passcode for six days and has not been unlocked with Touch ID for the past eight hours.

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Users (including this reporter) began noticing this change in the last several weeks, even though an Apple spokesperson says it was added in the first release of iOS 9. However, a bullet point describing this restriction only appeared in the iOS Security Guide on May 12, 2016, according to the guide’s internal PDF timestamp. Apple declined to explain the rationale for this restriction.

The previous five passcode requirements are: the device has been turned on or restarted, the device has not been unlocked for 48 hours, the device has received a remote lock command from Find My iPhone, five unsuccessful Touch ID attempts and adding new fingers to Touch ID.

It's unclear why Apple added the restriction and why it chose an eight-hour window, but the rule comes after a judge granted a search warrant forcing a woman to unlock her iPhone with Touch ID. The decision comes as some believe the biometric nature of Touch ID isn't protected by the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination. Passcodes, however, are considered protected individual privacies.

Top Rated Comments

Ron21 Avatar
92 months ago
Excellent news! Now if only they'd add passcode/touch ID requirement for iPhone shut down :)
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
al256 Avatar
92 months ago
The Bill of Rights means more to me than any inconvenience I may have from my long, complex password on my iOS devices. I'm glad these changes are being made.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vertsix Avatar
92 months ago
This is great. Other companies need to step up like this.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
billybobthornton Avatar
92 months ago
Next passcode requirement... Put your left foot in and your left foot out. Put your left foot in and shake it all about. Do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around because that's what it's all about.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bushido Avatar
92 months ago
What I find super annoying is having to put in my Apple ID password the first time u want to download something in the store. Why isn't TouchID enough? You already had to put in the passcode after the reboot anyway. Are they saying TouchID isn't trustworthy enough to confirm its really you?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
555gallardo Avatar
92 months ago
Okay, so Touch ID was meant to be an easier way to unlock the device, but Apple for some unknown reason requires people to use Passcode pretty much all the time... Then why the f*** do we have Touch ID?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)