Apple Makes Life Harder for iPhone Thieves

You probably know that iPhones are high on the wish list of thieves all over the country—so much so that data from the New York City Police Department reveals that iPhone and iPad thefts have soared 40 percent compared with the same period last year, according to CNET. A total of 11,447 cases of stolen Apple devices were reported to the city’s police, an increase of 3,280 over the last year.

Apple has been paying attention, and the new iOS7 has made it difficult for a thief to sell or reuse that stolen phone. This is because of a feature that prevents a wiping/resetting of the phone without the user’s Apple ID.

Here’s how: iPhone users who upgrade receive an email explaining how the new theft deterrent works, along with information on what to do in the event someone sells or transfers an iPhone to another party. It looks like this:

Dear Apple iPhone Customer:

Congratulations on your update to iOS 7. As an iCloud user, part of your upgrade includes new features built into Find My iPhone that make it harder for anyone else to use or sell your device if it is ever lost or stolen.

With Find My iPhone turned on in iOS 7, your Apple ID (email@xxxx.com) and password will always be required before anyone can:

• Turn off Find My iPhone on your device.
• Erase your device.
• Reactivate and use your device.

There is nothing you need to do except to keep Find My iPhone turned on and remember your Apple ID and password. For more information, read the FAQ.

Note: As always, if you plan to give your device to someone else, make sure to erase all content and settings before transferring it to the new owner. This will remove the device from your account and allow the new owner to activate it. For more information, read What to do before transferring ownership of your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.