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Video: Apple's iOS8 includes new 'killswitch' to curb theft

Posted at 7:58 AM, Sep 19, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-19 11:23:52-04

The most stolen smartphone in the world has taken a step toward shedding that unfortunate title. Apple's new operating system, iOS 8, comes with Apple's "killswitch" feature already activated, unlike all the systems before it.

The killswitch or activation lock is a part of Apple's "Find My iPhone" App. It allows users to not only lock the phone that has been stolen, but it also prevents thieves from wiping the phone clean. Phones that operate on iOS 7 have the lock option, but they have to turn it on for it to work.

The difference with iOS 8 is that when anyone installs the new software, the activation lock will be on by default.

Although Apple has made this change to its software with this latest update, many in the law enforcement community claim the major tech brands have been dragging their feet on this feature. 

Find out more with this Newsy video.