Apple may be heading toward a world where you can send money or access personal data without even unlocking your phone, so long as you’re wearing the right gear.
A newly filed patent, published under the code US2025/0225985A1, as spotted by MacObserver, lays out a system where locked Apple devices could accept voice commands for sensitive tasks. If you're connected to a verified accessory, such as AirPods or an Apple Watch, the device may allow certain actions to go through without needing Face ID or a passcode.
The system works by listening for natural voice requests like “send $50 to Joe,” then checking if the connected accessory meets several security standards. These include close physical range, recent authentication, encryption credentials, and a trusted pairing history. If everything lines up, the phone confirms and carries out the action while staying locked.
In place of a one-size-fits-all unlock method, Apple’s idea builds a layered structure. The device doesn’t just rely on the accessory being connected, it looks at how recently it was verified, how secure the link is, and how strong the signal remains. The system even factors in previous login activity to assess whether the request should be approved.
This kind of setup could reshape how people interact with their phones on the go. Whether you're paying at a drive-thru, sharing a document mid-meeting, or turning on smart lights from the hallway, Apple wants the interaction to feel quicker and more hands-free.
Still, some are already raising eyebrows. If someone else happens to be using your AirPods or standing close enough to trigger your device, there’s a risk they might issue a command in your place. Apple’s filing admits that multiple checks would be required to allow any command, but it doesn’t entirely erase the concern. It’s one of those cases where convenience might be walking a fine line with control.
The patent, spotted by Mac Observer, doesn’t confirm whether this feature will ever appear in real products. Apple files plenty of patents that never make it past the drawing board. But the direction is clear, the company is exploring ways to shrink the friction between users and their devices, one voice command at a time.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: Miguel Hernández / Unsplash
Read next: How to Create and Refine an Offerwall Reward Ad in Google AdSense
A newly filed patent, published under the code US2025/0225985A1, as spotted by MacObserver, lays out a system where locked Apple devices could accept voice commands for sensitive tasks. If you're connected to a verified accessory, such as AirPods or an Apple Watch, the device may allow certain actions to go through without needing Face ID or a passcode.
The system works by listening for natural voice requests like “send $50 to Joe,” then checking if the connected accessory meets several security standards. These include close physical range, recent authentication, encryption credentials, and a trusted pairing history. If everything lines up, the phone confirms and carries out the action while staying locked.
In place of a one-size-fits-all unlock method, Apple’s idea builds a layered structure. The device doesn’t just rely on the accessory being connected, it looks at how recently it was verified, how secure the link is, and how strong the signal remains. The system even factors in previous login activity to assess whether the request should be approved.
This kind of setup could reshape how people interact with their phones on the go. Whether you're paying at a drive-thru, sharing a document mid-meeting, or turning on smart lights from the hallway, Apple wants the interaction to feel quicker and more hands-free.
Still, some are already raising eyebrows. If someone else happens to be using your AirPods or standing close enough to trigger your device, there’s a risk they might issue a command in your place. Apple’s filing admits that multiple checks would be required to allow any command, but it doesn’t entirely erase the concern. It’s one of those cases where convenience might be walking a fine line with control.
The patent, spotted by Mac Observer, doesn’t confirm whether this feature will ever appear in real products. Apple files plenty of patents that never make it past the drawing board. But the direction is clear, the company is exploring ways to shrink the friction between users and their devices, one voice command at a time.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: Miguel Hernández / Unsplash
Read next: How to Create and Refine an Offerwall Reward Ad in Google AdSense
