As of right now, iOS 18 is only available as an RC (Release Candidate) build for developers and public beta testers and a new feature has been confirmed to come with the new OS next week – Activation Lock. The feature prevents someone from using stolen iPhone parts on another iPhone.
The feature was announced back in April, and Apple says law enforcement requested it in an attempt to tackle the issue with the black market with stolen iPhone parts.
It locks the iPhone along with its parts to the original owner of the phone. And if the system detects a second-hand part, like a battery, camera, display, etc., it will ask for an Apple ID and password. Unless the original owner gives permission by typing it their ID and password, the spare part will remain locked. After a while, all iPhone parts’ IDs will be assigned to Apple accounts.
The feature has been tested and confirmed by a handful of iOS 18 RC users who tried swapping iPhone parts.
Speaking of iOS 18, it is expected to hit the streets on September 16.