Apple has introduced a significant update in iOS 18: Activation Lock for iPhone parts. This feature, which builds on Apple’s existing security infrastructure, aims to curb the market for stolen iPhone components by linking individual parts to the original owner’s Apple account.
This strategic move is meant to deter theft, making it much harder for stolen devices to be disassembled and sold for valuable components.
When Apple first unveiled iOS 18, the standout addition was this new functionality. Now, iPhone parts such as the battery, display, and camera are assigned a unique serial number tied to the user’s Apple ID. If an iPhone is disassembled and parts are transferred to another device, the system will demand the original Apple account credentials for verification. Without this, key features of the replaced component—like calibration—will be restricted. Essentially, the part will be locked, making it less valuable to thieves or unauthorized repair shops.
This update is a direct response to growing concerns from customers and law enforcement over the resale of stolen iPhone parts. In the past, while Activation Lock protected the whole device, individual parts could still fetch high prices on the gray market. With iOS 18, Apple is tightening the grip by extending the Activation Lock feature to core hardware components.
Although there are always efforts to bypass security systems, Apple’s ongoing investment in anti-theft measures highlights its commitment to consumer safety and the broader fight against device theft. iOS 18 is set for public release on September 16, 2024, and requires an iPhone XR or newer model. For now, this feature is exclusive to iPhones, with no similar functionality available for iPads.
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