That the iPhone is hugely popular is a double-edged sword. Around the world, Apple Stores and authorized resellers are the target of several violent robberies and robberies (I was a direct witness to this, unfortunately). For thieves, breaking into a warehouse full of Apple phone units is the closest thing to finding caves full of gold coins. Barcelona have witnessed many of these events over the past year.
However, and given the security measures that Apple has implemented in its phones, are there any incentives to steal these iPhones? The answer is yes, even if it is a bit complicated.
Or attempted resale or dismantling in another country
First of all, all phones on display in Apple stores (official and distributors) have an additional security system that locks devices if they leave the store. Therefore, any exposed iPhones that are stolen are rendered completely useless.
If what they’re stealing is the sealed iPhones that are in the store (normally it’s very risky for thieves, but it does happen), the store usually reports the theft and blocks any terminals that were taken through its own systems. This is how the iPhone is brand new, but what they cannot be activated once removed from the box.
To this must be added the own security measures that Apple offers and recommends to its users: it is now impossible to log out of the Apple ID of the iPhone without first typing its password. Which does stealing a private iPhone is playing the wheel of luckbecause you can’t resell it if it’s obviously someone else’s device.
So what happens to a stolen iPhone? The most common, from what I have been able to gather from some people familiar with the thieves’ activity, is that these iPhones are quickly sent to countries where they dismantle them to be resold for parts. This iPhone can still be locked by its owner, but this lock has no effect on the battery, camera module or screen sold separately.
Returning to the case of an individual’s iPhone, it is difficult for these terminals to appear resell in unofficial physical stores or on Wallapop although it is not impossible. Here it already depends more on the number of security measures that are configured on the device, and that is why we always insist that you protect your iPhone with a lock code and review well all the protections that come from our ID Apple (including two-factor authentication).
Of course, if you’ve been unlucky and your iPhone has been stolen, the first and most urgent thing to do is to lock it using Apple’s Find My app or website. . You should also notify the carrier, as your iPhone also has your SIM card and the ability to make calls and send messages.
Picture | Taan Huin
