Why Family Lawyers Should Notify Clients of Apple iOS16 Changes
Apple iPhones are the most predominant mobile devices in the Australian market according to Stadista and have been for over a decade now, so any changes to the operating system iOS can have hidden impacts on users lives if they are not aware before choosing to download the latest version.
iOS16 has been released and with it comes a suite of new features that have some expert family lawyers concerned that their clients may be caught out or worse yet, have future Court proceedings impacted in terms of what evidence can be relied upon.
It’s not all bad news though and so Lagom Family Law are taking a moment to review what you need to know about the latest IOS16 when it comes to family law matters.
What’s changing?
1. Unsend Messages and Edit Messages
A long hold on a message can allow a user to both unsend a message within 2 minutes of sending and edit a message up to 5 times within 15 minutes of sending.
A feature which allows users to disconnect their iPhone from all people, apps, and other devices with a “panic button” like function.
This security feature has been added to allow users who are targeted by hacking or spyware to reduce the attack surface (ways into your phone like attachments to messages or unknown FaceTime callers being blocked for example).
Who’s affected and why is it important to family law?
Unsend Messages functionality is by far the biggest change and comes into effect if both sending and receiving parties are on iOS16 and using iMessage. If the recipient is on iOS15 or below, the unsent message may still be viewed.
The reason why family lawyers and advocates for those affected by family violence and domestic abuse are concerned, is how this feature could be exploited to perpetuate family violence or coercion and then remove evidence without the recipient being able to prove it.
For example, if both users are on iOS16, a perpetrator could theoretically send an iMessage threatening a victim; it appears and is read by the victim as a message preview on the locked screen and then quickly deleted by the offender so as it could not be used as evidence.
The second issue is around allowing users to edit their messages. Until the second iOS16 public beta release, messages could be edited without the recipient knowing what had been change.
Are there any positives?
Luckily with the release of iOS16 to the public, the edit function allows for full transparency of a log of changes by the recipient, so there is no ability to hide abuse.
The Safety Check for iPhone and Lockdown Mode add extremely potent protective measures to iPhone capabilities, when the user believes that their device has been potentially compromised.
What can you do if you want to protect yourself?
Screenshot is your best friend and as a firm, we regularly provide general information recommending knowing how to rapidly deploy this functionality as per the Apple support page here.
In the instance that an iMessage appears on your lock screen and you believe that it could form part of any evidence of abuse and then be deleted, make sure you record it and save it in a safe place or share it with your lawyer.
Make sure you also know how to use Safety Check and other security features and periodically review yours and your children’s device settings for any breaches.
What are your next steps?
Lagom Family Law are experts in helping those who are separating, do so in a way that protects their best interests and loved ones, through compressive and strategic family law advice and services.
If there has been a history of abuse in your relationship, our team are ready to discuss how we can assist. Book a free Discovery Call today.
Author: Josh Khall, Legal Assistant
Lagom is Swedish and means not too little, not too much, just right. This is our philosophy of practice as we aim to provide tailored advice specific for your individual needs - that’s just right for you!
Lagom Family Law is a boutique legal practice lead by Principal Lichee Hogland who strives to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients whilst being approachable and respectful.