Juice Jacking Alert: iOS 26 Adds USB-C Data Protection With the rollout of iOS 26, Apple has quietly introduced a powerful new security feature aimed at protecting users from juice jacking a cyber attack where malicious public chargers attempt...

[UK Sentinel]

With the rollout of iOS 26, Apple has quietly introduced a powerful new security feature aimed at protecting users from juice jacking a cyber attack where malicious public chargers attempt to steal data or install malware via USB-C connections.

iPhones with USB-C ports now include a Wired Accessories setting under Settings > Privacy & Security. This lets users control whether connected accessories can access data.

You can choose:

• Ask for New Accessories (recommended): Prompts you to approve or deny data access when a new USB-C device is connected.
• Don’t Allow: Blocks all data transfer from wired accessories.
• Always Allow: Grants automatic access (not advised for public charging).

 

Why It Matters:

Public USB-C charging stations — in airports, cafés, or hotels — can be modified to extract data or compromise your device. This new setting ensures that even if you plug into a shady charger, your iPhone won’t share data unless you explicitly allow it.

 

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/10/ios-18-usb-c-accessory-security-setting/

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[Grisu]

Thanks for info, would be nice if same is done on android side as well.
Do you know anything about plans?
Or is it only an iOS problem and android has it closed already?

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• This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by Grisu.

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[UK Sentinel]

Android has long had basic juice jacking protections of a sort, Since Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), the OS has prompted users to choose between “Charge only” and “Transfer files” when connecting via USB. This helps prevent automatic data access.

It is a little dependant on manufacturer as Samsung has addition controls in this area and I did read an article that notes with Android 16 there is a new setting “blocks new USB device connections while your phone is locked, which could be handy if your phone is ever stolen.

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[Grisu]

Thanks, wasn’t sure that this is exactly the same case and since ever closed on android side.
So wondering, that Apple did never think about this before.

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[UK Sentinel]

Yeah, Android’s had basic protections for years, but Apple’s approach is a bit different. iOS traditionally limited USB data access to trusted computers via the “Trust This Computer?” prompt, so they probably felt that covered it until know.

The new iOS 26 “Wired Accessories” feature just tightens this further, Apple’s just catching up to the kind of layered approach Android’s had since Marshmallow.

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