Activation Lock Problems Affecting Some iPhone 7 and 6S Users [REPORT]

When a new piece of technology first releases, issues are expected – especially with smartphones. The iPhone is not exempt from such post-launch complications. While the iPhone 7, fortunately, doesn’t have any sort of “Bendgate” scandal, there is an issue that has been plaguing users as of late. It’s not exclusive to the iPhone 7, either, as it has apparently been affecting iPhone 6S models as well.

According to MacRumors, readers have reported that many of their iPhone 7 and iPhone 6S smartphones have suffered from “Activation Lock” issues, which have made the devices inaccessible, and thus impossible to use. Basically, the iPhone is “locked” to another user’s Apple ID email address, not the owner’s, which blocks them from setting up the phone.

“Just received my brand new 256GB Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus,” wrote one of the readers. “Looks immaculate, screen is perfect, machining all fine… Only problem is, it appears someone has already used it as the iPhone is asking for the account used to activate it – ____@icloud.com. Apple says it needs replacing […] Now got to wait for an expedited replacement iPhone once I’ve returned this one.”

Activation Lock is a security feature built into iPhones in order to prevent unwanted access for a lost or stolen device, though at this point it isn’t clear why it’s malfunctioning on some devices.

Apple has not yet officially addressed the issue, although they are aware of it, as they have suggested two ways to fix it. One can either have the device replaced in-store, or have Apple disable Activation Lock in the smartphone by confirming that one is indeed the owner of the phone through Apple’s support line.

Anyone out there experiencing this?