Apple released iOS 18 on September 16, 2024, introducing several new features. One key security enhancement is the activation lock, which now extends to the camera, battery, and display. These components will be linked to the user’s Apple ID, preventing unauthorized part-swapping from stolen iPhones. However, users can unlock these parts through Apple iCloud verification.
This feature makes it more difficult for third-party repair centers, as many rely on salvaged parts to fix devices. With this update, iPhone components will be locked to an iCloud account, and without proper authentication, the device will not function. This forces users to depend on authorized Apple service centers for repairs.
Apple has been working on this feature for some time, aiming to prevent iPhones from being dismantled and resold for parts. If a device under repair detects components linked to an Apple account that are locked or marked as lost, it will block the calibration of these parts if they are used in another device.
According to Apple, iOS 18 will be publicly available on September 16, 2024, and will support iPhone XR and later models. The activation lock feature will also be included in iPadOS 18, and will be available for both iPhone XR and newer devices, as well as compatible iPads.
The new “Activation Lock” feature will allow users to lock not only their iPhones but also critical components like the battery, camera, Face ID/Touch ID, and display. This feature is part of the upcoming iOS 18 update and aims to deter thieves from stealing iPhones by making it harder to swap or use parts from stolen devices.
