Apple Inc's iOS7 Activation Lock Feature Prevents iPhone Theft and Jailbreaking

The WWDC has turned out be a great event for Apple with warm reception of the new iOS7 and its key features, including the Activation Lock feature. It's a significant improvement from the Find My iPhone feature since a person can't use the device when it has been cleared of data due to loss or theft. With the Activation Lock feature, unauthorised users can't access the device without entering the phone's Apple ID username and password.

This is a smart move from Apple to address the demands of both consumers and authorities to reduce the risk of smartphone theft.

The Activation Lock is a welcome feature in the iOS7 and is currently creating a buzz among authorities and iDevice owners. The latest Apple OS will be launched sometime in the fall as announced in WWDC. In case of theft, robbers will be prevented from turning off the device and reactivating it.

There has been great concern on the growing number of cases of smartphone theft. Mobile manufacturers have been accused of not paying more attention to phone security. The Activation Lock feature in iOS7 could be seen as another step to strengthen phone security.

No more jailbreaking

Apple's new activation lock feature in the new iOS7 does not only prevent theft but also closes the window on jailbreaking. iOS7 is not only designed to discourage thieves from stealing iDevices but also to prevent owners to jailbreak their Apple device.

Many smartphone owners jailbreak their devices purely for personal reasons like wanting to download apps for free somewhere else even if they are paid apps in the App Store. Tech blogger Adnan wrote the chances of jailbreaking iOS7 devices are pretty bleak. Hackers will have to work a lot harder to break the latest Apple OS.

The Activation Lock is designed by Apple as an added security feature and renders Apple devices useless to thieves. For Apple to maintain a high level of security, the feature needs to be updated at all times. Will this be the end for the jailbreakers? It's only a matter of time.