Apple Confirms Activation Lock Safety Feature for watchOS 2

Following today's big WWDC keynote address in San Francisco, a few new details and confirmations have been made about the Apple Watch, specifically regarding a crucial security feature for the wearable. Activation Lock, previously available for iPhones and iPads, was confirmed to be coming to Apple Watch with watchOS 2. The feature lets users secure their Apple Watch with their Apple ID, preventing malicious users from wiping or activating the wearable device if it gets lost or stolen.

applewatchpasscode
In the days and weeks following the Apple Watch launch, many users questioned the device's security due to its inherent requiring of the iPhone to perform most of its tasks. With only a simple four-digit passcode protecting the wearable, it was discovered in early May that that code could be entirely bypassed with a simple settings wipe able to be performed by anyone who came into contact with your personal Apple Watch.

With today's confirmation of Activation Lock for the Apple Watch, users concerned about losing or having the new Apple wearable stolen from them can no doubt feel a bit more at ease with the security of the device. Registered developers will be able to gain access to watchOS 2 starting today, with a wide public release coming sometime this fall.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

iConnected Avatar
126 months ago
Apple: "Activation Lock ... lets users secure their Apple Watch with their Apple ID, preventing another user from wiping or activating the device if it is lost or stolen."

Excellent news. Apple Watch now has a powerful theft disincentive built in, as it should have had from the start.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
McScooby Avatar
126 months ago
Well, now that there are more than 5 watches in the wild, this feature will be quite useful.
Think you forgot to say million after 5!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WilliamG Avatar
126 months ago
Great, now thieves know they have a countdown for sellable apple watches...
Are you seriously finding a negative about completely good news?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sniffies Avatar
126 months ago
Well, now that there are more than 5 watches in the wild, this feature will be quite useful.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
currocj Avatar
126 months ago
Great, now thieves know they have a countdown for sellable apple watches...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chatter Avatar
126 months ago
Finally! Not that I am worried about someone stealing my watch but why not have this in place.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)