Developers and public beta testers may only access iOS 18 in an RC (Release Candidate) build. Next week, the next operating system is expected to have Activation Lock, a confirmed feature. Thanks to this functionality, a person cannot use stolen iPhone parts on another iPhone.


Apple claims that law enforcement sought the functionality, which was first disclosed in April, to address the black market problem of stolen iPhone parts.

It restricts access to the original owner of the iPhone and all of its components. Additionally, the system will prompt the user for an Apple ID and password if it identifies a second-hand component, such as a battery, camera, display, etc. The spare part won't unlock until the original owner grants access by entering their ID and password. All iPhone component IDs will eventually be linked to Apple accounts.

A small number of iOS 18 RC users have tested and verified the feature by exchanging iPhone components. Speaking of iOS 18, it is likely to hit the streets on September 16.