These Special Features Secure the Demo iPhones at Apple Stores

Last week, it was reported that Apple has started removing the anti-theft cables, or security tethers, from iPhones on display at a number of its retail stores across Canada and the U.K., in an attempt at allow customers to hold an iPhone properly, try out cases, and even pocket the device. Turns out Apple’s courageous move isn’t too risky after all, since the company has incorporated a range of special security measures in its demo iPhones.

According to 9to5Mac, one of the security features on the current display models of iPhones designed to instantly render them useless if someone removes them from the store, is a software ‘kill switch’ which disables them when they go out of range of the store Wi-Fi. As a result, Apple no longer needs to use Find My iPhone to disable them manually. 

We’ve heard more about how the new tetherless process works: The iPhone will reset when the device is powered off and then plugged in. When removed from the Apple Store, the stolen iPhone can’t do anything but ring for Find My iPhone until the battery dies. The iPhones are also Activation Locked using iCloud as a deterrent just like customer iPhones.

Although they are hard to spot, Apple has also put HD security cameras scattered around its store, including the revamped Regent Street store in London.