Apple Adds Activation Lock to iPhone Parts in iOS 18, Strengthening Anti-Theft Measures

We all know how expensive an iPhone can be, and if you’re a heavy user, parts like the battery or screen can sometimes need repairs. For those living in provinces, getting to an Apple Store can be costly—not just for the repair itself, but also for the travel expenses.

A few months ago, Apple made significant changes to its repair policies, making it easier for users to fix their iPhones using genuine parts. Now, Apple is taking things a step further with a new feature aimed at stolen iPhones.

In the iOS 18 beta, a new Activation Lock feature was discovered, which locks key components like the battery, cameras, and display to the original owner’s account—similar to how the motherboard is already protected. This ensures that these parts can’t be reused unless the owner officially releases ownership of the device.

Protecting pilfered iPhones is the clear objective here. As you may already be aware, since the original user's Apple ID account is used to lock the system, lost or stolen iPhones are essentially worthless.

Most stolen iPhones wind up in chop shops, where they are disassembled and sold as replacement components. However, the latest update will render even those replacement parts useless, preventing anyone from making money off of the misplaced or pilfered device.