Remove iCloud

Question

Level 1

4 points

Remove iCloud

Apple must immediately review its rigid and consumer-harming iCloud removal policy. While requiring a receipt or invoice as absolute proof of ownership might be reasonable for the latest models like the iPhone 16 or 17, applying the same rule to older devices like the iPhone 11 through 15—which have clearly been active for over a year—is completely unrealistic. Apple cannot expect users to keep a paper receipt for years just to prove legitimate ownership. The company must consider more sensible alternatives, such as verifying the applicant’s official ID matched with the device's original retail box.

It makes absolutely no sense to permanently lock a healthy device and force it to become electronic waste (e-waste), especially when it was legally purchased with personal funds. This policy directly contradicts and tarnishes the eco-friendly commitment that Apple so proudly boasts. Apple willingly removed the charger brick from the retail box under the guise of reducing waste to save the planet; yet, on the other hand, their iCloud policy deliberately generates millions of tons of new e-waste by permanently bricking perfectly functional devices. Apple must stop sacrificing the rights of legitimate consumers and harming the environment for the sake of a logically flawed bureaucratic procedure.

Posted on Sep 8, 2026 3:07 AM

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Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 9

61,398 points

Sep 8, 2026 3:07 AM in response to ilham188

Apple’s current Activation Lock policy prioritizes strict security to deter theft.

Apple's current policy explicitly demands the original proof of purchase (showing the device's serial number or IMEI, purchase date, and store details) because it is the only legally binding document that ties a specific transaction to a specific device.

Search here for original proof of purchase

Check Digital Carrier Accounts: If you bought the phone through a carrier or a major retailer , log into your online account. They typically store order histories and equipment purchase agreements for several years.
Search Email Archives: Search your email accounts for keywords like "Apple Order," the device's serial number, or IMEI.
Request a Reprint: If you bought the device directly from an Apple Store or Apple.com, their customer support can often look up and duplicate your receipt if you can provide the original credit card used, the date of purchase, and your email

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Answer 2

Sep 8, 2026 6:08 AM in response to ilham188

ilham188 wrote:

Apple must immediately review its rigid and consumer-harming iCloud removal policy.

If by "Cloud removal policy", you are referring to "requiring proof of original purchase from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller to remove Activation Lock", that policy is to protect the interests of consumers.

If stolen Apple devices have a habit of turning into useless "bricks", and potential buyers know it, that has the consequence of making stolen devices less valuable to thieves and fences. If the devices are less valuable to thieves and fences, there is less incentive for thieves to steal them in the first place.

A similar strategy worked pretty well to reduce thefts of car stereos. Once upon a time, a thief could break into parked cars, rip out the stereos, and have valuable stereo equipment to sell. Now, if you disconnect a high-end stereo from power, it might demand a PIN the next time you turn it on. A PIN which a thief wouldn't know – and can't easily guess.

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