Top 3 Key Points:
- Apple extends Activation Lock to key iPhone components to prevent theft.
- Find My feature now tracks iPhones even when powered off or reset.
- New security makes it difficult to sell stolen iPhones or their parts.
Apple is stepping up its game to prevent iPhone theft with its latest feature: Activation Lock for iPhone components. This new measure, now available for beta testers, adds extra protection to iPhones, making it even harder for thieves to profit from stolen devices.
How to Find My Has Improved Over Time
Apple first introduced the “Find My” feature, which helped users track their stolen devices using another Apple device or through the web. However, thieves quickly figured out that turning off the phone would stop monitoring. Apple addressed this in 2021 by enabling the Find My network to keep working even when the device is powered off.
With iOS 15 and later versions, an iPhone continues to broadcast its location even when it appears to be turned off. It enters a low-power state and acts like an AirTag, emitting a Bluetooth signal that nearby iPhones can detect. This feature is available on iPhone 11 and newer models, allowing users to track their device for hours, even if it runs out of battery or is factory reset.
Activation Lock: A Game Changer for Security
Apple introduced Activation Lock back in 2013, and it has since been a major obstacle for thieves. Even if a stolen iPhone is wiped clean, it can’t be activated without the original owner’s Apple ID and password. This made it almost impossible for criminals to reset and sell stolen iPhones as fully functioning devices.
However, many thieves turned to selling stolen iPhones for parts. To address this, Apple has extended Activation Lock to key components of the iPhone.
Extending Activation Lock to iPhone Parts
Apple’s newest addition extends Activation Lock beyond the iPhone itself to critical components like the battery, camera, and display. Each part is now linked to the original owner’s Apple ID via its serial number. If a part from a stolen iPhone is detected, it won’t work correctly without the proper calibration, making it harder for thieves to profit by disassembling and selling parts.
This feature, now available in the iOS 18 beta, won’t cover all iPhone parts, but it will greatly reduce the resale value of stolen devices. Most buyers won’t want to deal with malfunctioning or restricted components, reducing the incentive for theft.
Potential Impact and Repair Concerns
While these security measures are a major step forward in making iPhones more theft-proof, they do raise concerns for DIY repairs. The new restrictions make it harder to use parts from other devices, which could create challenges for people who prefer to fix their phones using recycled parts. However, Apple has been working on solutions for corporate resales and enterprise users, ensuring smoother transitions when devices are sold in bulk.
Conclusion
With the introduction of Activation Lock for components, Apple is making iPhones significantly more secure. Although it won’t eliminate phone theft, these new features make it much less profitable for criminals. As iPhones become harder to steal and sell, Apple is leading the way in mobile security, making its devices a less attractive target for thieves.
