Apple Adds Storage Overwrite Option to iPhone in iOS 27.2 Beta 1, China-Only
Apple has added a Storage Overwrite option to iPhone in the iOS 27.2 beta, letting users overwrite the entire storage space when erasing data so it cannot be recovered. The feature is currently exclusive to devices in China. Code indicates it will extend to iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS and HomePod. It may serve GB 46864-2025, a mandatory national standard effective January 1, 2027.
Apple has added a new option called Storage Overwrite to iPhone in the iOS 27.2 beta. Users can select this option when attempting to erase data.
Overwriting with blank data means covering every storage cell on the chip, so the larger the storage capacity, the longer the operation takes. The feature is currently exclusive to Chinese models. Code information indicates that the data overwrite function will support devices including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS and HomePod, and is a China-only feature.
GB 46864-2025 is a mandatory national standard that will formally take effect on January 1, 2027. As a mandatory national standard, it will require electronic devices to provide more complete data erasure methods once implemented. There is currently no clear information on whether the feature will be offered to users in other countries and regions.
Why this event matters
The event has a measured impact on 2 industrys. The strongest current signal is positive for General Software & IT Services, with intensity 30/100 and 60% confidence over a medium term horizon.
General Software & IT Services
- Direction
- positive
- Intensity
- 30
- Confidence
- 60%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Smartphones
- Direction
- positive
- Intensity
- 25
- Confidence
- 55%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Impact figures are analytical estimates that combine direction, intensity, confidence and event importance. They are not investment advice.