Apple sends a clear message to people who stole iPhones from its stores: you're "being tracked," reports Trybeweb.

The company actively deactivate stolen iPhones from its retail stores, leaving them unusable.

Screenshots of Apple's warning message began appearing on sites such as Twitter and Reddit earlier this week amid global protests after the death of George Floyd.

Apple stores, which recently reopened in the United States after months of closings due to the global pandemic, have reported acts of vandalism and theft in several locations, including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

"Please Return back to Apple Walnut Street," read a message, referring to its location in Philadelphia, posted on Twitter. "The device has been deactivated and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted."

Apple declined to make further comment on its security issues.

However, the effort is not specific to the events taking place. The company has long installed special software on iPhones in its stores to track its stolen items. This software does not come on purchased iPhones.

Apple CEO Tim Cook called Floyd's murder "insane" in a note to employees on Sunday and pledged to donate to human rights groups including the initiative Equal Justice.

Source: https://www.trybeweb.com.ng/2020/06/apple-tracks-stolen-iphones.html