Security

According to a report by TechnoBuffalo Apple and Verizon were very careful to make sure that the iPhone 4 launch stayed under wraps until the announcement. A source close to the process claims the device was codenamed Acme and employees were privy to information only on a need-to-know basis. Some were testing Verizon connectivity at Apple stores up to six months in advance of the February release.

Some Verizon employees received iPhone 4 units two weeks prior to the official launch. This privilege required the signing of a four-page non-disclosure agreement (NDA) from Apple before they could get their hands on the device. The CDMA iPhone 4 itself had unique security features to ensure that a device wouldn't go missing as happened in 2010 with a prototype GSM iPhone 4.

Screenshots acquired by 9to5 Mac reveal a gesture-based passcode lock screen already in use internally at Apple. The AppleConnect iOS application for employees makes use of the feature.

Much like a similar gesture-based passcode lock found on Android devices, the Apple version allows users to set a private code based on points that are connected by the user on the screen. The iOS version has a progress bar indicating the strength of an individual gesture entered for use as a passcode.

Your iPhone personal data is protected by the passcode lock screen at all times, right? Turns out that it's pretty simple to bypass the four-digit passcode to access the phone app revealing contacts, email information, recent calls and even visual voicemail. The process to circumvent the passcode lock revolves around the emergency call feature built into iPhones to allow 911 calls on a locked phone.

MacRumors forum user jordand321 announced the security flaw this weekend. The problem happens when the iPhone is locked but you enter the emergency call screen. Type any non-emergency number and touch the call button.