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Apple's latest iOS 26 update has sparked disputes at Apple retail stores during iPhone 17 trade-ins, learn how to dodge the same controversy

Upgrading your old iPhone to the iPhone 17? Pay attention

Apple's recent introduction of feature 26 in iOS is causing a stir at Apple retail stores during...
Apple's recent introduction of feature 26 in iOS is causing a stir at Apple retail stores during iPhone 17 trade-ins, learn how to prevent similar issues

Apple's latest iOS 26 update has sparked disputes at Apple retail stores during iPhone 17 trade-ins, learn how to dodge the same controversy

Apple's latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, are now available in Apple Stores. However, some users trading in their old iPhones for the new models are experiencing delays due to a feature designed to deter theft.

The Stolen Device Protection feature, introduced with iOS 17.3, puts a one-hour delay on any changes made outside of a user's trusted locations. This means that if Stolen Device Protection is enabled on your Apple handset, and you're trading it in at an Apple Store, which is considered an untrusted location, there will be a delay.

To avoid these delays, Apple has provided a workaround. By heading into the Find My app, opening the info card for your iPhone, and tapping Remove, you can prepare your device for trade-in in advance. This not only saves time in the store but also helps to keep the lines moving, as long lines have been observed at Apple Stores due to this issue on launch day.

It's important to note that this workaround only applies if you have Stolen Device Protection enabled. To check if it's enabled on your device, go to iOS Settings, then Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection.

The delay occurs when turning off the Find My tracking service, which is necessary when trading in an iPhone, as it counts as a suspicious change. This is because the Find My service helps Apple to locate a lost or stolen device.

Apple has a comprehensive guide on everything you need to do to swap your old iPhone for a new one, including disabling Find My. The guide can be found on their official website.

The workaround requires you to enter your Apple password to confirm the device's preparation for trade-in. If you're sitting in a queue at an Apple Store, you can use the workaround to avoid delays.

This issue affects iPhone users trading up to the new iPhone 17. Apple is responsible for the introduction of the up to one-hour delay when disabling Find My on certain iPhone users after the update to iOS 17.3.

The Stolen Device Protection feature is designed to deter theft by putting a delay on suspicious changes. This means that even on launch day, when the demand for new iPhones is high, you can rest assured that Apple is taking steps to protect your device from potential theft.

We hope this article helps you navigate the process of trading in your old iPhone for the new model. Happy trading!

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