Apple and a number of other smartphone makers have agreed to a voluntary commitment to include anti-theft technology on phones starting next year, Re/Code reports. Other smartphone makers, including Google, HTC, Motorola, Microsoft, Nokia, and Samsung have all agreed to make such a commitment, and the five largest U.S.
cellular carriers are also on board. All those involved have agreed devices sold after July 2015 must have the ability to have data wiped remotely and be rendered inoperable at a user’s request.
Recovered devices could then later be restored. Apple is ahead of the game, as Activation Lock in iOS 7 already lets users prevent reactivation of a stolen or lost device.
