## New iOS 18 Beta Feature Aims to Prevent Stolen iPhone Parts from Being Sold
With the upcoming release of iOS 18, Apple is introducing a new feature called Activation Lock for valuable iPhone parts. This feature aims to tackle the issue of stolen iPhones being dismantled and sold on the black market for their valuable components such as batteries, cameras, and sensors.
### Activation Lock: An Existing Anti-Theft Feature
Activation Lock is not a new feature in Apple devices. It is a part of the Find My app and is designed to prevent stolen iPhones from being used by remotely activating the lock. This feature requires the user’s Apple ID and password to unlock the device, making it difficult for thieves to sell stolen iPhones. However, it does not prevent the stolen devices from being disassembled and sold for parts.
### Activation Lock for iPhone Parts
According to the iOS 18 Release Candidate (RC), Activation Lock will now extend to iPhone parts as well. This means that if a repair shop or technician attempts to use a part from a device with Activation Lock enabled, the calibration capabilities of that part will be restricted. Apple will require the user’s account information to verify the ownership of the part before allowing it to be used.
This new feature aims to deter thieves from stealing iPhones for their valuable components by rendering those parts useless if they are obtained from devices with Activation Lock enabled. By restricting the calibration capabilities of these parts, they become less desirable on the black market, making it more difficult for thieves to profit from stolen iPhone parts.
### Concerns and Criticisms
While the Activation Lock feature for iPhone parts is a step in the right direction for preventing the sale of stolen components, there are concerns and criticisms surrounding its implementation.
Some argue that rendering parts useless could contribute to electronic waste (e-waste). Additionally, advocates for the Right to Repair movement have raised concerns about the impact on the secondhand and refurbishing market. They argue that repair shops may be deterred from purchasing parts because they won’t have a way to verify if they are “unlocked” or usable.
However, it is important to note that this feature is primarily aimed at addressing the issue of stolen iPhone parts and reducing the profitability of the black market for these components. Apple’s focus is on protecting its users and discouraging theft, rather than catering to the secondhand market.
### Closing the Loophole in the iPhone Black Market
Despite the concerns raised, many see the Activation Lock feature for iPhone parts as a welcome change. By closing this loophole in the iPhone black market, Apple aims to make stolen iPhone components less valuable and deter thieves from engaging in this illegal activity.
The iOS 18 update, including the Activation Lock feature for iPhone parts, is set to be released on September 16 for iPhone XR and later models. Users can look forward to enhanced security measures and increased protection against the theft and resale of valuable iPhone components.
In conclusion, the new Activation Lock feature for iPhone parts in iOS 18 is a significant step towards preventing the sale of stolen iPhone components on the black market. While there are concerns and criticisms surrounding its implementation, Apple’s focus on protecting users and reducing theft is commendable. By rendering stolen parts useless, the company is taking proactive measures to discourage thieves and safeguard its customers.
