Apple is stepping up its efforts to prevent the resale of stolen iPhone parts with a new feature in iOS 18. The latest update introduces an extension of the Activation Lock system to specific iPhone components, such as batteries, cameras, and displays.
This enhancement, now available to developers and public beta testers, aims to make stolen iPhones less valuable on the black market by linking these parts to the original owner's Apple account. With the Release Candidate build of iOS 18, when a replacement component is detected, the device will prompt for the Apple ID password of the original owner to verify the part's authenticity. If the component cannot be authenticated, its functionality will be restricted, preventing unauthorized use or resale.
The move addresses a growing issue where stolen iPhones, which are otherwise rendered useless due to existing Activation Lock measures, are dismantled and sold in pieces. By extending Activation Lock to individual parts, Apple aims to close this loophole and reduce the appeal of iPhones as theft targets. The company has responded to requests from customers and law enforcement for increased security measures.
Users who have tested the new feature confirm that iOS 18's Release Candidate version requires Apple ID credentials to unlock and verify used parts. The final version of iOS 18 is expected to be released to the public on September 16 and will be compatible with iPhone XR and later models. Currently, this Activation Lock enhancement is specific to iPhone components and does not apply to iPads running iPadOS 18.
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