Can Apple track a Mac or iPhone been marked as Lost and work with the Police side to find it?

When my Mac was stolen from my Car,

I marked the device as lost on Find My and reported to the police station.

I even showed the location of the stolen devices to the Italian Police who receiving the case.

Unfortunately no response or action from the police side.

Then I'm thinking one question:

Can Apple track a Mac or iPhone been marked as Lost and work with the Police side?

Yes it's for sure.

They can do that, they just won't do it.

We all know that Apple devices have to be connected with Apple store and iCloud service.

All apple devices have a unique ID or SN number, such ID will be connected with the device.

So the question will be: Why Apple won't help to prevent Apple devices been reused after it's lost/stolen?

I mean if a lost apple device cannot be reused, and the Police will find the 'new user',

then there will be no market of stealing Apple products.

When there is no market for lost apple devices, then the lost devices could be returned or it won't be stolen from the beginning.

The only reason I can find for Apple is:

More stolen/lost apple devices, more demand on new apple devices purchase!!

Apple, you need to do something, don't do evil.

We lost not just the hardware devices, but all the documents and convenience we should have.

Believe me, if Apple devices are not able to be reused by theft, there will be less criminals.

Most importantly, there will be more loyal buyer for apple products.

Apple, It worth a try.

MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on Jul 1, 2023 8:45 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 1, 2023 9:06 AM

The "back door" you refer to has been closed in modern Macs. Activation lock will render it useless.

There are legal reasons Apple can not get involved as you suggest.


Apple will cooperate with law enforcement when presented with a court order to do so.


Similar questions

4 replies

Jul 1, 2023 9:02 AM in response to KiltedTim

Hi Tim,

Thanks for answering.

Actually there is way to erase all data and make it a "new" device from computer repairing shops.

However, the "new" device is bearing the same ID from manufacturing date.

Apple has the ability to track the status of the "new" device: apple ID logged in, accounts used on the device.

It will be easy for the police to find the stolen devices if Apple can report the information to Police station.

Anyway, all Apple need to do is to close the backdoor for renewing a lost device which has been marked as lost.

This will reduce the possibility of stealing and increase the possibility of returning(may with a thanks fee or ransom).


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Can Apple track a Mac or iPhone been marked as Lost and work with the Police side to find it?

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