The voice memo app has deleted the audio recording itself.

While smartphones themselves can't harbor malicious intent, we must actively fortify their defenses. Tighten your device settings, be mindful of how you sync, and protect your digital treasure trove by safeguarding sensitive information with your loved ones. Don't underestimate the power of simple security measures. Employ strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update software.

 However, the vulnerabilities lie in our usage and connectivity. Unsecured settings, careless syncing, and oversharing sensitive information can transform this innocuous device into a Trojan horse for attackers. Vigilance is key.

If you feel an unauthorized person/app is remotely using, controlling or monitoring your device, then that is possible only if you have done one or more of the following Don'ts...

1. Don't hand over an iPhone to kids or to a stranger without Enabling Guided Access
2. Don't share Apple IDs
3. Don't Jailbreak
4. Don't share sensitive information pertaining to your device
5. Don't give in to Phishing
6. Don't plug in your device in Airports and Public places through third-party cables and trust the device. Beware of Juice Jacking. (Especially in India)
7. Don't leave your iPhone unlocked and unattended in public places like offices, schools, malls, etc.

If one of the above is true then quickly change the Apple ID Password and Return iPhone settings to their defaults.

takarsifruit wrote:

I am just disappointed by the Apple company; it is very unprofessional that my phone deleted its files because I didn't update to the latest iOS version. God help me, please.

This platform is designed as a user-to-user forum with Apple Inc. acting as a moderator. The primary objective is to foster a community where users can participate in meaningful discussions while adhering to established guidelines.

This platform serves as a space for users to engage in meaningful conversations, share information, and exchange ideas related to Apple products. It's a community-driven initiative where users support each other by sharing their experiences and technical expertise in using Apple devices. While Apple Inc. is not actively participating in these discussions, the forum is a valuable resource for seeking guidance and assistance from fellow users who possess a wealth of experience with Apple products. Feel free to explore the discussions, ask questions, and benefit from the collective knowledge of this community.

Please note that this is a public forum, so when attaching a screenshot, please avoid including any personal credentials such as IP addresses, card details, email IDs, Apple IDs, IMEI numbers, serial numbers, phone numbers, order IDs, invoices, or any identifiable location information if you are sharing a map.

Hence, some of the following links which are relevant to your query may help you:

1. Questions directed to Apple Inc - refer to the three links below
   1. Product Feedback - Apple
2. Suggestions and Feedback for improvements --> Apple Inc says; "We read all feedback carefully, but we are unable to respond to each submission individually."
   1. Here is how for iPhone · Country or region* Select your country or region. · Feedback Type* Select feedback type. · Comments* Enter a comment.
   2. Feedback - iPhone - Apple
3. Any other issue --> Contact – Official Apple Support (IN) & Contact Apple for support and service

iCloud uses Apple ID credentials.

If you do not remember the Apple ID Password then follow the steps given in this Apple Article -> If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

If you do not remember the Apple ID then follow the steps given in this Apple Article -> If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

takarsifruit wrote:

I thought of it as a bug, and I was very relieved.

With Feedback Assistant available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and the web, it's easy to report issues you encounter and request enhancements to APIs, tools, and ...

Bug Reporting - Apple Developer

If Voice Memos is enabled in iCloud and the Apple ID is changed on an iPhone, the existing Voice Memos will disappear from the device.

Why does this happen?

When iCloud syncing is turned on for Voice Memos, the recordings are not stored locally on the iPhone — they're stored in iCloud. So:

• If you sign out of the current Apple ID or change to another Apple ID,
• The phone loses access to the iCloud storage tied to the previous Apple ID,
• And the Voice Memos that were stored there will no longer be visible or accessible on the device.

They are not deleted, just removed from local view — they still exist in the iCloud account associated with the original Apple ID.

takarsifruit wrote:

Did this happen because I didn't update my iPhone to the latest version?

Though this has nothing to do with iOS updates I would always keep my iOS updated to the latest. iOS 18.4 is the latest.