In daily life, smartphones are essential, and iPhones especially are prized for their resale value and popularity.
As iPhones become an everyday necessity, they also become more vulnerable to theft. Apple has tackled this with security features that minimise the chance of stolen phones being used or resold.
These features ultimately help safeguard users’ data.
KEY SECURITY FEATURES TO PREVENT IPHONE THEFT
Here’s a look at some of Apple’s key anti-theft features for iPhones.
ACTIVATION LOCK
Apple’s cloud storage system, known as iCloud, links each iPhone to a unique Apple ID. When the “Find My” feature is switched on, it automatically activates Activation Lock.
This means that even if the device is reset after being stolen, it cannot be unlocked without the original owner’s Apple ID and password.
As a result, the phone can’t make calls, send texts, or run apps, making it nearly unsellable to end-users.
FACE ID AND TOUCH ID
Face and fingerprint recognition are among the most secure ways to unlock an iPhone. Face ID uses advanced facial recognition technology, storing unique physical features for each user.
In a similar way, Touch ID is based on the unique fingerprints of each user.
Even with the PIN or password in someone else’s hands, these biometric protections make it hard to access the device.
FIND MY NETWORK
Apple’s innovative Find My Network is highly effective for locating a lost or stolen iPhone. This tracking system remains active even if the phone is offline, provided Bluetooth is enabled.
It utilises Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices to pinpoint the location of the missing iPhone.
Encrypted, anonymous signals help the owner track the phone’s location discreetly.
REMOTE DATA ERASURE
With “Find My” or an iCloud link enabled, iPhone users can remotely erase sensitive data on a stolen device.
This ensures that even if the phone’s security measures are breached, the owner’s privacy is protected.
Data backed up regularly to iCloud can be restored if the device is recovered.
TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)
By requiring a verification code sent to your registered phone number, this system provides extra security on top of your PIN codes or passwords for Apple ID access.
Even if someone possesses the account password, they cannot log in without this code, which secures Apple services like iCloud and iTunes against unauthorised access.
SECURE ENCLAVE
With the rise of cybercrime, hackers have found intricate ways to breach devices.
Apple’s Secure Enclave feature functions as a personal vault within each iPhone, keeping encrypted biometric data like Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple Pay information safe.
Getting hold of this data is extremely challenging, making it almost impossible for hackers to bypass the security without a considerable amount of time and effort—typically enough for Apple’s tracking system to track down the device.
Together, these security measures significantly improve iPhone theft prevention and overall device security.
Thanks to Activation Lock, two-factor authentication, and Face and Touch ID, unauthorised access is blocked, while Find My Network and remote data erasure help recover data even post-theft.
FINAL OBSERVATIONS
Most of these features are included in the iPhone X and later versions, whereas Touch ID is present on iPhone 6 to 8 and the iPhone SE (2nd generation onwards). Secure Enclave is compatible with the iPhone 5S and later.
There is furthermore, information available from this link: Apple Support.