Apple Disables and Tracks iPhones Stolen During LA Store Looting

Following the recent looting of Apple’s Tower Theatre store in Los Angeles during anti-ICE protests, individuals who stole iPhones from the store were met with an unexpected obstacle. Apple has implemented robust security measures on its display devices, rendering them unusable once removed from the premises. Stolen iPhones display a warning message stating, ‘Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted.’ This approach is not new; similar measures were observed during the 2020 U.S. riots, when Apple stores were also targeted. The company’s proximity software disables demo devices taken illegally and can track their location, deterring theft and aiding law enforcement. Social media users noted that these warnings effectively turn stolen iPhones into non-functional ‘bricks’ that can also report their location. While some suggest Apple should track thieves without warning them, the company’s visible deterrent serves as a clear message: stolen display models are useless and risky to keep. Apple’s longstanding use of such security protocols underscores its commitment to protecting its products and cooperating with authorities when theft occurs. Ultimately, the message to would-be looters is simple—stealing from Apple stores is futile and may result in legal consequences.12456