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No need to imagine...This sort of scenario already happened to someone I know with their Apple device: They had just wiped their iPhone in an attempt to clean

No need to imagine...This sort of scenario already happened to someone I know with their Apple device: They had just wiped their iPhone in an attempt to clean it up and restore the software to factory condition, and afterwards it required an OS software update for some reason (okay, sure), so this was done. After this update, some kind of "activation" was required (why?) before the device was usable at all for anything meaningful. This activation step failed, showing no particular reason for failure (only along the lines of "your iPhone couldn't be activated, call support"). Over the phone support wasn't helpful in giving any further details, so ultimately the device was brought to Apple where they used some diagnostic tools and determined that some hardware component (possibly cellular antenna?) was malfunctioning, and most likely this was preventing the activation from continuing (again, why?). The Apple tech said they could do nothing to repair the device (no hardware fix, no software fix), and as a "fix" offered only some sort of insultingly low-value buy-back option instead. There are so many problems with this scenario: 1. Why was "activation" required to use the device at all at this point? The owner just wanted to use it to take some photos, listen to music, watch videos, and do some simple web browsing...No Apple services required, so why the forced requirement to activate the device? 2. Why was no useful information presented to the user about why the activation step failed, so they could at least attempt to troubleshoot for themselves (or with the help of someone of their choosing)? 3. Why does an otherwise unnecessary hardware sub-component (from the point of view of the device "owner" in the context of their usage) misbehaving prevent the ability to activate or otherwise use the device for some valid purpose? I should mention that the device was out of warranty by this point, so it was not expected that any hardware repair would be at anyone's expense but the owner's, but this entire situation to me just looked like a pointless software-induced device disabling, for no good reason. After witnessing such a situation, I can't help but wonder how much of this hostility and disrespect towards their customers is just so Apple can drive more new device sales, or what else is going on, but it certainly gave me a lot to think about where this particular company (and the industry in general) seems to be headed.

bzzzt 6y ago
While I agree a company like Apple should do better in reporting errors like these I don't share your conclusion that's purely out of malice (and driven by profit) instead of ordinary incompetency (or lack of time, bad management etc). That's not meant in defense of Apple, but because I'm very anti-jumping to conclusions. The iCloud activation lock is a theft prevention option that locks the phone to an iCloud account and will required activation after a factory reset. If you don't want to deal with Apple, don't set that option. If everyone in physical possession could override that it wouldn't be much of a lock at all...
- simion314 6y ago
  All Apple policies make Apple more money. Not releasing a schematic, software to diagnose shit and forbidding selling of parts does not contribute to your device not getting stolen. All it does it make Apple more money because instead of having a thing repaired for cheap you are forced to either pay a lot of money to repair your stuff or buy a new product, As I said I am sure the Apple car will have the tires DRMed , the excuse is to prevent stealing but the reason is to use only Apple tires, installed by Apple geniuses on your Apple car(probably will require also Apple only oils and even the water for your windscreen must be installed by a genius and be a special Apple water).

bzzzt 6y ago

While I agree a company like Apple should do better in reporting errors like these I don't share your conclusion that's purely out of malice (and driven by profit) instead of ordinary incompetency (or lack of time, bad management etc). That's not meant in defense of Apple, but because I'm very anti-jumping to conclusions. The iCloud activation lock is a theft prevention option that locks the phone to an iCloud account and will required activation after a factory reset. If you don't want to deal with Apple, don't set that option. If everyone in physical possession could override that it wouldn't be much of a lock at all...

simion314 6y ago
All Apple policies make Apple more money. Not releasing a schematic, software to diagnose shit and forbidding selling of parts does not contribute to your device not getting stolen. All it does it make Apple more money because instead of having a thing repaired for cheap you are forced to either pay a lot of money to repair your stuff or buy a new product, As I said I am sure the Apple car will have the tires DRMed , the excuse is to prevent stealing but the reason is to use only Apple tires, installed by Apple geniuses on your Apple car(probably will require also Apple only oils and even the water for your windscreen must be installed by a genius and be a special Apple water).