Let’s say you took all the stolen iPads in the United States and put them in a pile. How big would that pile be in comparison to this one if activation lock didn’t exist?<p>I might even ask what percentage of these iPads could have simply been stolen from the original owner? They’re all locked right?<p>By piling up all these devices together the waste looks bad. But millions of iPads are sold every year - if activation lock deters even a small percentage of thefts that’s a huge pile.<p>And, frankly, “children in need” can afford tablets. Just not fancy luxury Apple ones. A brand new kindle fire from 2019 costs $50. I’m sure twenty bucks can get you a used functioning tablet that can run apps.<p>To be clear, I’m not defending Apple’s stance on repairs and how they treat third party shops, I just don’t consider that issue related to the activation lock feature, which as a customer is highly desired.