iPhones allegedly stolen from Apple Stores during the recent unrest in France are reportedly displaying warnings that the devices are being tracked, potentially complicating attempts to use or resell the stolen products.
Footage shared online appears to show affected devices displaying security messages indicating that they have been disabled and can be located. The reports have emerged amid widespread vandalism and theft targeting commercial premises across the country.
Apple’s security system includes features that allow users to remotely lock missing iPhones, display messages on their screens and attempt to locate them through the Find My service. However, it remains unclear whether Apple directly disabled the specific devices shown in the circulating footage or whether the warnings resulted from other existing security measures.
The damage caused by the unrest has also raised concerns about the financial burden on businesses and insurers. Approximately 3,000 storefronts have reportedly been affected by vandalism and theft, with insured losses potentially reaching €1.2 billion.
If the estimate is confirmed, the financial toll could make the unrest one of the most expensive civil disorder episodes in mainland French history. The final figure will depend on ongoing assessments of damaged buildings, stolen goods and losses arising from temporary business closures.
The incident also illustrates how anti-theft technology can make stolen electronics harder to use. Nevertheless, the full circumstances surrounding the device warnings and the overall cost of the destruction have yet to be independently verified.
