Apple Takes Down App Which Lets You Locate Your iPhone, iPad

The feature enabled iOS users of iPhone and iPad to track and detect device which have been stolen.

Representative image. (Photo: iStock)

Apple has removed the "Activation Lock" tool that allows users to check the ownership status of their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

"The tool allowed users to enter the serial number or IMEI of iOS devices to find out if 'Activation Lock' was active, helping consumers who were interested in purchasing used devices avoid stolen ones," as highlighted by reports on Tuesday.

The 'Activation Lock' tool has been removed from the iCloud web page and now when you visit icloud.com/activationlock, you will find Apple's 404 "Not Found" page.

Not sure if everyone will be pleased with this development, even though the app caused issues with the devices.

Last year, Hemanth Joseph, a Kerala-based security researcher, has identified a bug running in iOS 10.1 version of Apple's operating system that allowed him to bypass the 'Activation Lock' on an iPad.

Joseph bypassed activation lock in a locked iPad by discovering a weakness in the device setup process running iOS 10.1. The bug discovered by Joseph was reportedly fixed in an iOS update later.

Apple had earlier removed the app, which helped users of AirPod detect their lost/stolen wireless earpiece. However, this feature was later added to iOS 10.3 version, thereby giving Apple the control of such mishaps.