Apple’s new security enhancements are reportedly making it increasingly difficult for criminals to resell stolen iPhones. The London Metropolitan Police have noted a positive trend arising from these improvements, leading to reduced profitability for phone thefts. Their collaboration with Apple aims to monitor the fate of stolen devices and develop strategies to further minimise their resale value.

According to Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police, preliminary data indicates that there has been a notable decrease in the number of stolen iPhones that are being effectively reactivated. He stated that a previous vulnerability, which allowed thieves to perform factory resets on stolen devices, has now been addressed by Apple, reducing their resale viability considerably.

Rowley emphasised that the inability to reactivate stolen phones significantly diminishes their market value, consequently lowering the motivation for individuals to engage in such crimes. This strategic approach by Apple is seen as a substantive shift in making stolen devices less enticing for thieves.

Impact of Security Enhancements on Phone Theft Rates

Statistics from the Metropolitan Police illustrate a significant decrease in phone theft incidents. Between June 2025 and May 2026, there was an 18 per cent reduction in thefts involving mobile phones compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to both increased policing efforts and the recent advancements in device security implemented by Apple.

Authorities believe that while various law enforcement strategies have contributed to this drop, the stronger security measures around devices have played a vital role in making phone theft less appealing. The enforcement of these security features adds another layer of complexity for potential thieves, acting as a deterrent.

The growing concern surrounding smartphone thefts in urban areas worldwide has led to higher prices for stolen devices in international markets. Reports suggest that many stolen phones are often exported and sold again after being reset. Apple’s new measures aim to tackle this issue by complicating the process of resetting and reactivating stolen phones.

Apple’s Stolen Device Protection Feature Explained

A core component of Apple’s updated security framework is the Stolen Device Protection feature, which has recently been enabled by default with the release of iOS 26.4. This feature is specifically designed to prevent thieves from easily accessing an iPhone immediately after it is stolen.

When a stolen device is detected outside known locations such as the owner’s home or workplace, the system implements additional security checks before any significant actions can be undertaken. These include altering the Apple Account password, disabling Face ID or Touch ID, deactivating the Find My feature, erasing the device, and modifying essential security settings.

This added layer of security creates temporary delays and necessitates extra authentication, allowing the legitimate owner time to safeguard their information. This sequential approach offers users an opportunity to report the device as lost and secure their accounts prior to a thief having the chance to erase or sell the smartphone.

As the ability to reset and reactivate stolen devices becomes increasingly challenging, the economic model that supports phone theft is likely to deteriorate. Criminals are unlikely to pursue phones that offer minimal resale potential, thereby contributing to a reduction in phone theft overall.

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