Apple Watch Lacks 'Lock Activation' Feature But Is It Really A Deal Breaker?

Apple Watch's security can be circumvented by performing a factory reset that erases all of the device's data. The watch can be set up as a new device and can be paired with a new iPhone.

Apple has designed the watch to automatically ask for a passcode when it detects it's no longer on a person's wrist but the passcode security is useless against theft as anyone can easily erase the data and reset it without needing the code.

The bug, first pointed by iDownloadBlog, makes the device an easy target as thieves can reset a stolen Apple Watch and then resell it easily as a new device.

With iOS 7, Apple had introduced a feature called Activation Lock, which resulted in fewer iPhone thefts. If the feature is turned on, to erase all the data and re-activate it, one would need the username and password. However, the same is not the case with Apple Watch.

The company is yet to address the issue and we are uncertain if a feature similar to Activation Lock is arriving for Apple Watch anytime soon.

For now, we would like to advice you to be careful and keep an eye on your Watch when you take it off.