As soon as you plug the phone into iTunes, you can bet it sends Apple all the info.
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Apple Stores Removing Security Tethers From iPhone Display Models
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Good on Apple. The Carphone Warehouse in the UK even tethers plastic dummy phone units, so for Apple to untether real functioning hardware is a nice move.
True that they can secure the devices using Beacon/FMI and brick the devices remotely; automatically even and ultimately suffer just the loss of hardware that costs them significantly less than the retail value we see.
The thing to ask yourself though is, who do you know that *would* steal something like this? I don't think I know anyone that would - most people are honest and will relish being able to really get a good feel for Apple products rather than grappling with them tethered to the benches.
For those that do try it; big brother is watching, Siri is listening and the geniuses will be primed and ready to take. you. down
True that they can secure the devices using Beacon/FMI and brick the devices remotely; automatically even and ultimately suffer just the loss of hardware that costs them significantly less than the retail value we see.
The thing to ask yourself though is, who do you know that *would* steal something like this? I don't think I know anyone that would - most people are honest and will relish being able to really get a good feel for Apple products rather than grappling with them tethered to the benches.
For those that do try it; big brother is watching, Siri is listening and the geniuses will be primed and ready to take. you. down
And if someone wants to risk being caught and charged with felony commercial burglary for a few parts, go for it.
They are assuming that thieves are smart enough to know that they would be worthless after stealing them. Bad assumption
Yeah I expect a few months of stupid thieves thinking they've been handed good fortune.
I can see why they would want to axe them; it definitely interferes with your ability to get a feel for the balance and weight of the device.
I presume they're leaving the tethers on the Macs?
That is correct. Additionally, they run video loops, have preinstalled apps, & are linked to a generic Apple ID that even retail employees don't have the password for.
Exactly my thought. Still, I imagine Apple will be out quite a few of these display phones, and will put the tether back on when they're sick of replenishing the display phones.They are assuming that thieves are smart enough to know that they would be worthless after stealing them. Bad assumption
As much markup as there is on an iPhone, even if they loose a few it is not like it will be a huge loss to the company. I think it is a smart move.
There's a good reason why this was done in Canada and the UK first. We don't have as much theft and other social problems as other countries.
Apple revamped its retail stores last year by removing iPad smart signage and demoting iPod display models to side shelves, and now the company has another move up its sleeves in a push towards simplicity.
iPhone display models docked with only Lightning charging cables in Toronto
Over the past few months, Apple has removed security tethers from iPhone display models at some of its retail stores, including its Yorkdale location in Toronto, Canada and redesigned Regent Street store in London, England.
MacRumors has learned of at least two other stores in the United Kingdom where the security tethers, which activate audible alarms when disconnected, have been removed, and it appears likely the change will be phased in at other locations.
The courageous move effectively allows customers to walk into an Apple retail store, pick up an iPhone display model, and walk out with the device without paying, but Apple evidently feels the untethered experience is worth the risk.
As CNET explains, Apple wants customers to be able to hold an iPhone properly, try out cases, and even pocket the device:The customers who do attempt to steal iPhone display models, if not caught by security or CCTV cameras where installed, will walk away with unusable devices, as Apple will place them into Lost Mode remotely using Find My iPhone.
Apple continues to use security tethers on larger products such as MacBook and iPad display models.
(Thanks, Peter!)
Article Link: Apple Stores Removing Security Tethers From iPhone Display Models
There is no method of deactivating iCloud lock other than a crooked Apple Store Manager or employee
I think this is great. I dislike the type of security that doesn't let you fairly evaluate a device.
When I go buy a new car, they photocopy ID and insurance then let you drive it away for a undetermined period of time. That's with a $50,000 car! But no, I can't pick up a laptop at Best Buy to see how light it feels and I'll just have to guess if I need a new bag for it.
Plus if the anti-theft stuff Apple has been working on is that good, they should trust it 100%.
Great move Apple.
When I go buy a new car, they photocopy ID and insurance then let you drive it away for a undetermined period of time. That's with a $50,000 car! But no, I can't pick up a laptop at Best Buy to see how light it feels and I'll just have to guess if I need a new bag for it.
Plus if the anti-theft stuff Apple has been working on is that good, they should trust it 100%.
Great move Apple.
They best not remove those tethers from any store in NYC, people will steal them simply because they can without regard to whether they will actually still work.
Also, I believe you can salvage working parts even from locked iPhones.
Also, I believe you can salvage working parts even from locked iPhones.
Thieves often lack the logical reasoning that we have. A potential couple hundred bucks is all they see and everything else goes out the window.
Cool. Now give me a stool to sit on so I don't have to crouch down to get a feel for the MacBook.
iPhone 7 plus in John Lewis L1 Liverpool already nicked and had security tag on it!
Apple Liverpool store wont have any iPhones soon if this is introduced!
(I'm okay to jest about Liverpool, I was born there.)
Apple Liverpool store wont have any iPhones soon if this is introduced!
(I'm okay to jest about Liverpool, I was born there.)
Now, more than ever, we need to continue attempting acts of trust and kindness vs. our knee-jerk and short-sighted efforts at control and skepticism. More of the latter might temporarily make a small moment or situation seem "better" today, but eventually costs us all in the form of jeopardizing some of what it means to be human: ability, choice, curiosity, freedom, etc. There has been, and always will be, bad apples out there. Pandering to them with increasing mistrust and control, at the expense of others, ensures "they" win.
So yeah... It's just phones. But I applaud Apple for making a pretty bold move. Trust requires courage, effort, vision. Control is cowardly, lazy, reactionary.
Soapbox aside, I just like being able to experience a product as intended.
#trustispower
So yeah... It's just phones. But I applaud Apple for making a pretty bold move. Trust requires courage, effort, vision. Control is cowardly, lazy, reactionary.
Soapbox aside, I just like being able to experience a product as intended.
#trustispower