There’s a lot to like about iOS 26, including the new design language and the host of new and improved features. One of the most useful additions is easy to miss, but it might be one of the best bulwarks against a certain nefarious threat.
As spotted by 9to5 Mac, Apple’s latest update includes a new permission on your iPhone that appears when you connect a new accessory via the USB-C port. With iOS 26, the system will offer a prompt asking you if you would like to allow or deny data transfer.
Selecting the "allow" option will allow the connected accessory access to the date on your phone. You're also able to adjust the behavior in the iPhone's settings, including setting the phone to "Always Allow," or ask only for new accessories and more. However, we would caution users to refrain from selecting the always allow option, even if it does minimize the number of pop-ups you see.
Meanwhile, if you don't allow the permission, then the phone will still charge, but will block any access to the phone's data. iOS 26 will also block any data from being transferred if your phone screen is locked when you connect the device, meaning your express permission is still required.
How does this help with modern threats to my phone?
One of the latest threats to come to modern smartphones is a new form of attack called “Juice Jacking.” The threat in question is focused on public chargers, which have become much more prevalent in recent years. While they can be helpful if your phone is dying, we’ve seen reports over the last few years that hackers have used these USB ports to transfer malware into devices.
Both Google and Apple have been working to find a way to circumvent these issues, but it looked like many could be gotten around by canny agents. However, this new addition from Apple could be the best solution we’ve seen to the problem, although we’d still recommend exercising caution.
For instance, make sure you carry a portable battery charger with you to make sure you have enough battery for the day. However, not everyone has the space to carry a power bank with them. In that case, we have some tips for keeping your iPhone powered throughout the day.
These include keeping your phone on Low Power mode and activating Auto Brightness in the settings. It's also worth making sure you don't use high-intensity apps unless you have a ready means of charging your phone. If you have the iPhone Air, then you can also invest in the new MagSafe case that aims to increase the overall battery life.
Let us know if this is the kind of feature that you want to see more of from Apple in future updates to the best iPhones, as well as other new iOS 26 features you're enjoying.
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