iPhone Forensics: What Data Can Be Recovered From a Locked Device?

iPhone Forensics: What Data Can Be Recovered From a Locked Device?

In nearly every criminal case and an increasing number of civil disputes, an iPhone sits at the center of the evidence. Text messages, photos, location history, app data, browsing activity, and deleted files can all tell a story that wins or loses a case. But when the device is locked, passcode-protected, or damaged, many attorneys assume that evidence is out of reach. That assumption is often wrong.

Modern forensic tools and techniques can recover a remarkable amount of data from iPhones, even when the device owner has taken steps to delete it. Understanding what is recoverable — and what isn't — is critical for attorneys building a case strategy around mobile device evidence.

How iPhone Forensic Extractions Work

Forensic examiners use specialized tools such as Cellebrite UFED and GrayKey to perform extractions at different levels of depth. A logical extraction captures the data that is readily accessible on the device, similar to what you would see in an iTunes backup. This includes contacts, call logs, messages, photos, and basic app data. For most civil matters, a logical extraction provides substantial evidence.

A full file system extraction goes deeper, accessing the underlying SQLite databases and system files that store data the user never sees. This is where deleted text messages, removed photos, cleared browsing history, and app usage timestamps often reside. The iPhone's operating system does not immediately overwrite deleted data — it simply marks the storage space as available. Until that space is reused, a skilled forensic examiner can recover it.

For the most challenging cases involving severely damaged or older devices, advanced techniques such as JTAG and chip-off extractions allow examiners to read data directly from the device's memory chips, bypassing the operating system entirely. These methods require specialized equipment and expertise but can recover evidence that no other method can reach.

What Types of Data Can Be Recovered

The iPhone stores far more data than most people realize. Beyond the obvious text messages and photos, forensic examiners can recover detailed location history from the device's significant locations database, which tracks everywhere the user has been with timestamps. WiFi connection logs reveal which networks the device connected to and when, providing additional location corroboration.

Application data is another rich source of evidence. Social media apps, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, dating apps, financial apps, and ride-sharing services all store data locally on the device. Even when a user deletes an app, remnants of its data often remain in the file system. Health and fitness data can establish whether a person was walking, running, driving, or stationary at specific times — evidence that has proven decisive in cases ranging from personal injury disputes to homicide investigations.

The KnowledgeC database is one of the most valuable forensic artifacts on an iPhone. This system-level database records application usage, device lock and unlock events, screen time, Bluetooth connections, and media playback activity. It provides a detailed timeline of exactly how and when the device was used, often spanning months of historical data.

The Importance of Proper Forensic Methodology

How evidence is collected matters as much as what is collected. A forensically sound extraction preserves the chain of custody and ensures the evidence is admissible in court. Simply scrolling through a phone and taking screenshots is not forensic analysis — it risks altering data, missing critical artifacts, and creating opportunities for opposing counsel to challenge the evidence's integrity.

A certified forensic examiner creates a verified forensic image of the device, documents every step of the process, and uses validated tools that produce repeatable results. This methodology is what separates evidence that withstands a Daubert challenge from evidence that gets excluded at trial.

When to Engage a Forensic Examiner

The single most important piece of advice for attorneys dealing with iPhone evidence is to engage a forensic examiner as early as possible. iPhones can be remotely wiped, automatic updates can overwrite deleted data, and device resets can permanently destroy evidence. Early preservation through forensic imaging ensures that no matter what happens to the physical device, the evidence is secured.

Whether your case involves a criminal allegation, an employment dispute with suspected data theft, a family law matter, or a personal injury claim, the data on an iPhone may hold the answers you need. Understanding what can be recovered — and acting quickly to preserve it — can make the difference between winning and losing.

Contact CFSI for iPhone Forensic Analysis

Computer Forensic Services, Inc. is a Cellebrite-certified forensic laboratory with over 28 years of experience in mobile device forensics. Our examiner, Lance Sloves (CCE #282), has provided expert testimony on iPhone evidence in Texas state courts, federal courts, and military tribunals, including high-profile cases such as the Amber Guyger trial and the Dr. Death investigation. Contact us today at (214) 306-6470 or email info@cfsiusa.com for a confidential consultation about your case. We typically respond within one business day.