Apple’s new iCloud tool can show if a used iPhone is stolen.
Apple has just revealed an iCloud tool to nip that in the bud by letting you check a device’s activation lock status. All you’ll need is the iPhone’s IMEI or serial number. If you’re the rightful owner, you’ll get info on how to disable any activation locks before selling, while buyers will be shown how to remove the previous account. The tool will be particularly useful at sussing out “doulCi” devices, which bypass iCloud to enable activation but won’t actually connect to a cell network. That’s prevent you from being fooled by a stolen or lost iPhone that appears to work, but is effectively… an iPod.