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While it may look and function like a normal iPhone, the demo units are equipped with security features designed to track them if ever stolen.
What these youngsters managed to grab from the Apple Store are demo units on display. As the name suggests, these iPhones are only for demonstration and different from the ones that are actually sold to customers. While it may look and function like a normal iPhone, the demo units are equipped with security features designed to track them if ever stolen. So Apple can actually track the stolen iPhones, remotely set alarms to ring, and even turn the camera on for further evidence.
It seems like the looters didn't know about this but realised soon enough as many were seen abandoning the stolen products. There were reportedly hoards of iPhones and iPads just thrown on the streets. One of the people involved in the theft even filmed the crime where it can be seen that an alarm has been activated on the iPhone. The message reads, "Please return to Apple Walnut Street. This device has been disabled and is being tracked."
The green indicator light is turned on, which means that the camera is being used to record them. So overall, it was a failed attempt at trying to steal iPhones and iPads from an Apple Store.
More than 50 people have been arrested who were part of not just the Apple Store loot but other stores including Foot Locker and Lulu Lemon. These loots were reportedly planned, and made to take advantage of protests taking place the same day, NBC News reported.