Fact check: Is Apple tracking and disabling iPhones looted during protests in the USA?

Origin 

death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has ignited nationwide protests in USA which took a violent turn in some states. As protests went violent, many shops and malls were looted in USA by people who used opportunity of a protest to cause violent civil distress. Videos of people looting stores and stealing products ranging from luxury to necessity were circulated on internet in abundance. iPhones, iPads and or Apple product which belong to premium price range were also stolen majorly. w, it is revealed that Apple has been tracking and disabling  devices stolen during riots. 

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Is Apple disabling looted iPhones?

iPhones looted in recent times during countrywide protests in USA have been confirmed to be disabled by Apple by many social media users. Stolen devices are t usable outside Apple stores as phones looted are ones which were kept on display. As per reports, devices kept on display comes with a software that allows Apple to track device once it is stolen and also disable it. 

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In photo shared on social media, iPhone prompted mess that device should be returned to Apple Walnut Street and that device has been disabled. mess also prompted that local authorities will be tified if device is t returned. Apple mselves have chosen t to comment on matter it is evident that ir on-display iPhones come with software integration which allows extensive tracking of device if stolen. 

Apple's retail stores have been shut in USA since mid-March due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was recently anunced that Apple will open a few stores in USA but as several retail stores were looted in USA, Apple is reportedly w reconsidering opening of its stores. It is unsure wher Apple will resume back operations in retail stores anytime soon.

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Google Trends analysis

News of lootings had taken over internet and TV broadcasts during protests in USA. As news of looted iPhones getting disabled by Apple started circulating on internet, a number of people searched to find truth on Google. This resulted in a surge in search results about same. Check it out below - 

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