Apple Stores looted in France during protests, products rendered unusable by kill switches

Apple Stores Targeted Amid French Protests

During recent protests in France, Apple Stores in Bordeaux and Lille were broken into and looted. Videos circulated showing individuals removing products from the stores, with one clip depicting an almost empty Apple Store interior.

Other luxury retailers, including Louis Vuitton and Hermès, were also targeted in cities like Bordeaux, Lille, and Marseille. The unrest led to approximately 1,200 arrests and significant damage to property, including municipal buildings and vehicles.

Kill Switches Render Stolen Devices Useless

The display products stolen from Apple Stores are equipped with a kill switch feature. These devices are configured to become inoperable once they move beyond the store's Wi-Fi network coverage. After disconnection, the devices will only respond to Apple's Find My service, effectively bricking them for general use.

Official Condemnation of Violence

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and theft, stating that such actions have no place in the Republic. He pledged that offenders would be prosecuted and punished for their involvement in the unrest.