iPhone passcodes that are only 4- or 6-digits long can be easily broken by the same equipment law enforcement agencies use. While it is unlikely to be an issue for typical users, you can opt to use longer passcodes or even an alphanumeric password for your iPhone to make it nearly impossible to break.
James: Law enforcement currently has tools that will circumvent the wrong attempts lockout. If law enforcement has these tools, it is reasonable to expect that bad actors have them or soon will. But for most people using a 6-digit code is probably fine. But many people work at companies that require higher levels of security, even on their personal devices.
what about the 10 wrong attempts and lock-out/ erase function?
James: Law enforcement currently has tools that will circumvent the wrong attempts lockout. If law enforcement has these tools, it is reasonable to expect that bad actors have them or soon will. But for most people using a 6-digit code is probably fine. But many people work at companies that require higher levels of security, even on their personal devices.