Back in 2016, Apple launched its iPhone 7 series flagship smartphone. While many were excited about the upgrades and new features, one particular function went under most headlines. With iOS 7 the Cupertino-based company shipped smartphones with Activation Lock which made iPhone a lot more secure than before. This small function was a welcomed feature that discouraged thievery against Apple smartphones. Unfortunately, it is also why thousands of iPhones end up in junk and being scrapped for parts.

Although the new feature functions as a great way to secure one’s iPhone it is also the primary reason why a lot of iPhones end up being useless and in the junkyard. Ideally, the function works best when owners use the Find My app which immediately locks the iPhone. The lock can only be disabled once the Apple ID and password of the owner has been input; failing this, the device is nothing more than a fancy paperweight.

According to the renowned hardware repair specialist iFixit, thousands of perfectly functioning iPhones have to be shredded and scrapped for parts every month instead of being refurbished. Many iPhone users are unaware of disabling the Activation Lock and properly wiping their Find My app details on their handsets. So when they upgrade to a new smartphone or just getting rid of their older iPhone, the device becomes useless as it is inaccessible since Find My app is a permanent lock if the iPhone is not wiped clean and reset.

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Peter Schindler, founder and owner of the Wireless Alliance, a Colarado based electronics recycler and refurbisher, stated that he receives anywhere 4000 to 6000 locked iPhones every month. These devices can still be easily refurbished and put back into circulation but “have to get parted out or scrapped” due to the anti-theft feature.

Notably, Schindler stated to iFixit that Apple should implement a bypass that “would allow certified recyclers and refurbishers to unlock donated devices if they’re not reported lost or stolen.” This would be great for many reasons, the foremost being environmental impacts since Apple is the third most popular smartphone brand currently in the market.

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