# Apple device security and fraud prevention

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/apple-device-security-and-fraud-prevention
> Updated: 2026-10-31T13:33:23.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

Apple has implemented various technological measures to protect its hardware and mitigate losses from theft and fraud. The company deployed Presto technology in retail stores, a diagnostic tool that allows employees to scan iPhones through sealed packaging. This system is designed to detect return fraud, where individuals attempt to return empty or tampered boxes for full refunds, while also allowing legitimate returns to be processed without breaking factory seals.

In response to physical theft, Apple devices have utilized enterprise configurations to prevent exploitation. During looting incidents in France, stolen iPhones and display models were rendered useless through a process known as “bricking.” This occurs when devices cross a virtual geofence and lose connection to a secure store network, triggering an emergency lockdown while remaining trackable via geolocation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-31: Apple security measures thwart thefts in France and London

Apple's security features rendered looted iPhones in France useless through geofencing and remote locking, while a London theft resulted in a US$ 14,000 cryptocurrency loss.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-security-measures-thwart-thefts-in-france-and-london

### 2026-10-25: Apple deploys Presto technology to detect iPhone return fraud

Apple is deploying Presto-based diagnostic tools in retail stores to scan sealed iPhone boxes, detecting component theft and return fraud without needing to unseal packaging.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-rolls-out-new-scanning-device-to-combat-iphone-return-fraud

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Cite as: Apple device security and fraud prevention. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/apple-device-security-and-fraud-prevention