Following the widespread rioting and looting on Saturday 17 October, Apple has activated the security systems on stolen devices. On iPhones stolen from Apple Stores, a message appears stating that the device has been deactivated, is being tracked, and the authorities have been notified.
– Please return the device to Apple. This device has been deactivated and is being geolocated. The authorities will be notified.
The phones are blacklisted and blocked
Display models in shops are equipped with customised software that automatically locks the phone when it leaves the shop’s Wi-Fi network. The device thus becomes unusable and can also be tracked.
For new, sealed phones from stock, different mechanisms apply. When the shop reports the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to the police and mobile network operators, the phones can be blacklisted and blocked from mobile networks.
🇫🇷 Apple blocked iPhones stolen by looters in France. Screens displayed: “Device deactivated and tracked”
Insured losses from the recent riots and looting are projected to reach up to €1.2 billion, with 3,000 shop fronts vandalised or looted.
If losses hit that ceiling, it… pic.twitter.com/cfnVh7CPOi
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) 21 October 2026
Apple Stores in Lille and Bordeaux were among the shops ravaged during the unrest. Luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dior, as well as electronics chains, were also hit hard. According to the French authorities, at least 3,000 shops were attacked.
Insurance analysts estimate that insured losses could reach 1.2 billion euros. If so, this would make it the costliest episode of civil unrest on French soil.
On social media, many have commented that it was ‘silly’ to steal iPhones that quickly become unusable. Apple itself has not issued any official statement regarding the specific shops, but the security features appear to be working as intended.
