Apple’s New iOS 18 Feature to Make iPhones Less Valuable to Thieves

Apple may be planning to introduce a groundbreaking new feature in iOS 18 that will significantly reduce the value of stolen iPhones. The feature, known as Activation Lock, will be extended to individual iPhone components, making it much harder for thieves to break down and sell stolen devices.

A New Era of iPhone Security

The release candidate for iOS 18 includes a new Activation Lock feature that will link individual iPhone components to the user’s Apple ID. This means that the battery, camera module, and display serial numbers will be paired with the phone’s original owner. As a result, there’s less incentive for thieves to steal an iPhone and break it down for spare parts, as the legal owner can remote lock the device and prevent it from being reactivated.

How It Works

If a used part is installed on an iPhone, the user will be prompted to enter the Apple ID associated with the phone’s original owner. If the IDs don’t match, the third party won’t be able to use the phone correctly. This added layer of security will make it much harder for thieves to profit from stolen iPhones.

A Planet-Friendly Solution

Apple announced this change in April, alongside updates to the self-service repair program. The program allows users to purchase used, genuine parts to promote a more environmentally friendly solution. By extending Activation Lock to iPhone parts, Apple is taking a significant step towards reducing electronic waste and supporting sustainability.

What’s Next

iOS 18 is set to become available to consumers on Monday, September 16. While it’s possible that the feature may not arrive in the first version of the software, its presence in the release candidate suggests that life is about to get much harder for iPhone thieves.

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