Apple's Lockdown Mode Blocks FBI Access to Seized iPhone

The security feature stymied federal authorities' efforts to search devices seized from a Washington Post reporter.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Apple's Lockdown Mode, a security feature designed to protect against 'extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks,' recently prevented FBI agents from accessing a Washington Post reporter's iPhone that was seized as part of an investigation. The feature puts strict security limits on certain apps and features to reduce areas that advanced spyware can attack, and it also restricts the kinds of browser technologies that websites can use.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and law enforcement over encryption and device security. Apple has previously rejected government requests to build backdoor access, arguing that it would be 'wrong to intentionally weaken our products.' Lockdown Mode demonstrates Apple's commitment to user privacy and security, even in the face of law enforcement demands.

The details

FBI agents seized Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's iPhone, as well as two MacBooks and other electronic devices, as part of an investigation into a Pentagon contractor accused of illegally handling classified information. However, the FBI reported that its Computer Analysis Response Team 'could not extract' data from the iPhone because it was in Lockdown Mode. Lockdown Mode is an 'optional, extreme' protection tool designed to guard against 'extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks' by putting strict security limits on some apps and features.

  • Last month, FBI agents searched Natanson's home and seized her devices.
  • The FBI reported it could not extract data from Natanson's iPhone due to Lockdown Mode.

The players

Apple

A technology company that manufactures the iPhone and other devices. Apple has previously rejected government requests to build backdoor access to its devices, arguing that it would weaken user privacy and security.

Hannah Natanson

A Washington Post reporter whose devices were seized by the FBI as part of an investigation into a Pentagon contractor.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, a U.S. federal law enforcement agency that seized Natanson's devices as part of an investigation.

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What they’re saying

“It would be wrong to intentionally weaken our products with a government-ordered backdoor.”

— Apple (Apple)

What’s next

The FBI has not indicated whether it will continue to pursue access to Natanson's seized devices or if it will seek a way to bypass Lockdown Mode.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and law enforcement over encryption and device security, with Apple demonstrating its commitment to user privacy and security even in the face of government demands.