Guide to Detecting Spyware and Stalkerware on Apple Devices

Although the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook are among the most secure devices on the market, they are not immune to stalkerware, spyware, Apple ID takeovers, or remote access.
As a digital forensic examiner and investigator, I regularly examine Apple devices in cases involving:

• family matters (infidelity, psychological abuse, partner conflicts),
• criminal and civil proceedings,
• corporate data leaks,
• cybercrime and blackmail,
• wiretapping and hidden tracking.

In this article, I outline real symptoms, common attack methods, and how I detect spyware and stalkerware on iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.

1. What Symptoms Indicate That Your iPhone or iPad Might Be Spied On?

The most commonly reported signs:

✔️ Someone Knows Your Private Conversations or Locations

The most serious signal — often the first one that’s hard to ignore.

✔️ Battery Drains Quickly, and the Phone Overheats

Spying processes run in the background.

✔️ SMS Codes for Logins You Didn’t Request

This indicates someone is trying to access your account.

✔️ Strange iOS Behaviors

• Screen turning on by itself,
• Slow performance,
• Unknown apps,
• New profiles in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.

✔️ Notifications About “New Device in iCloud”

This could mean an attempt to take over your Apple ID.

2. Can an iPhone Have Spyware or Stalkerware?

Yes — though not in the same way as on Android.

Common Forms:

📌 1. Physically Installed Stalkerware Apps

Requires physical access to the device and the passcode. After installation, it hides…(truncated 1992 characters)… Analysis includes:

🔍 System Log Review

• Installations,
• Processes,
• Suspicious activities,
• Kernel reports.

🔍 Analysis of Running Services

• LaunchDaemons,
• LaunchAgents,
• System cron jobs.

🔍 Verification of Network Processes

What connects to the internet and why.

🔍 Searching for Hidden Apps and System Modifications

RATs, keyloggers, backdoors.

🔍 Analysis of Apps and Browser Extensions

Spyware often hides in Safari/Chrome add-ons.

6. Can Antivirus Detect Spyware on Apple Devices?

In most cases, no.

Why?

• Stalkerware often uses legitimate system features,
• Many tools are iOS/macOS certified,
• Some operate via Apple ID takeover, not device installation.

Antivirus tools only see what’s in their signature databases.
Spyware on Apple devices requires forensic analysis.

7. What to Do If You Suspect Your iPhone or MacBook Is Being Spied On?

🚫 Do Not Reset the Device

You might destroy evidence.

🚫 Do Not Change Passwords from the Suspect Device

The attacker might see everything.

🚫 Do Not Install “Scanners” from the App Store

95% of them are marketing, not real analysis.

✔️ Contact a Specialist

Forensic examination will reveal:

• If spyware exists,
• Who might have had access,
• What data was at risk,
• What steps to take.

8. How Can I Help You?

As a digital forensic examiner, I perform:

• Detection of spyware/stalkerware on iPhone and iPad,
• Detection of wiretaps and MDM analysis,
• MacBook analysis for remote access,
• Apple ID and account takeover analysis,
• Data recovery and forensic timelines,
• Preparation of technical/court opinions,
• Full confidentiality and ISO 27037 compliance.

👉 Apple Service Details:
/en/services/smartphone-examination/
/en/services/detecting-spyware/

Summary

Apple devices are secure — but only if no one has gained access to your phone, computer, or Apple ID.
Spyware, stalkerware, and remote access tools are a real problem in Poland: in family, business, and cybercrime cases.

If something raises your suspicions — it’s worth having the device professionally examined before someone uses the obtained data against you.

Contact me — I’ll help determine if your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook is being spied on.