iPhone theft in New York is apparently a pretty big problem although with the introduction of iOS 7, Apple is hoping to help by including security features that would make stealing an iPhone a less attractive option. In fact the feature seems to be pretty well received to the point where the NYPD has actually started handing out flyers (pictured above) where they are asking iOS users to upgrade to iOS 7 because of that. The security feature in question is none other than Activation Lock.

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Activation Lock is a new feature introduced in iOS 7 and it adds an additional layer of security to some of Apple’s other security features, such passcode lock and Find My iPhone. Basically what it does is that in order for a thief to wipe the phone and resell it, they’ll have to enter the phone’s Apple ID and password to do so, which presumably they would not know. This would prevent them from wiping the device which could discourage people from selling or purchasing it on the black market.

Of course we expect that eventually someone will come up with a way to get around the feature, and as it stands there are a couple of teething problems with the software, but hopefully those kinks get sorted out soon.

Filed in . Read more about iOS 7.