iOS 16.1 requiring passcode EVERY time a backup/sync is initiated

Since upgrading my iPhone (14 Pro Max) and iPad (2021 Pro) to OS 16.1, both devices now require me to enter my passcode EVERY time I plug them into my 2020 iMac (Ventura) to start a backup/sync.

This is new behavior. My Mac is a "trusted" device; I should not have to enter my passcode EVERY time a backup is initiated.

Since Reddit is filled with similar reports, I'm wondering whether this is a bug or an intentional new "feature." If it's a "feature," it's an unnecessary and intrusive one.

I've tried all the "tips" found elsewhere to fix this (using a different sync cable, resetting my iPhone, etc.). Nothing works.

Anyone have any thoughts?

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 30, 2022 8:19 PM

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Community+ 2025

Level 10

229,138 points

Posted on Dec 18, 2022 12:24 PM

Apple generally doesn’t make security optional.

Here is the identified vulnerability:

Available for: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later

Impact: An app may be able to access iOS backups

Description: A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions.

CVE-2022-32929: Csaba Fitzl (@theevilbit) of Offensive Security

Apple does not include details to prevent hackers from using it as a recipe to hack devices that haven’t been updated, but the details on how to take advantage of this vulnerability are widely available on the web, published by the discoverer of this vulnerability. And they’re scary; it’s very easy if a hacker has access to your computer. And most hacks of computers are undetectable to the user. You can find the full report on github if you know how to access it.

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21 replies

Jan 8, 2023 6:06 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Apple is not the customer though, I am. Breaking/regressing your product because of edge case hypotheticals is frankly cowardice. And as we keep *repeatedly* stating to you, there is an option C, which Apple could have easily implemented.

Jan 8, 2023 6:29 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Its not the vulnerability thats hypothetical, its the mathematical possibility that *anyone* would bother going after me, a random user (or any random user for that matter). Its not clear if you're intentionally misunderstanding what we're saying, or you're just trying to kick up dust to cloud whats being said.

Creating radios to set flags is *trivially* easy in both MacOS and iOS, and would have been minutes of coding work. Possibly even less work than this current ham handed breakage of something previously functioning.

I invite you to stop trying to be right, and I invite you to stop making rude insinuations about other forum members. And maybe, I dunno, lay off the internet for tonight. Give it a try.

numbr007 Author

Level 1

17 points

Nov 9, 2022 12:58 PM in response to numbr007

Update: This behavior is still transpiring with macOS 13.0.1 and iOS 16.1.1 :(

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,978 points

Nov 9, 2022 2:00 PM in response to numbr007

Yes, I can confirm your assessment on this subject. I have provided the feedback to Apple.

Axel F.

gkalro

Level 1

9 points

Dec 18, 2022 11:22 AM in response to numbr007

Same happening for me since update to 16.1 .. very frustrating!

Jan 8, 2023 6:04 PM in response to Stealth43

Perhaps not you, but Apple fixes security issues both for the protection of its customers and because it is good business to protect its customers; and also to protect itself.

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iOS 16.1 requiring passcode EVERY time a backup/sync is initiated