Apple is rolling out a new anti-theft scanner at its retail stores to stop return fraud. The tool uses Presto technology to inspect sealed iPhone boxes without breaking the packaging. This helps staff verify that devices are intact, ensuring that returned phones can go straight back on the shelf.
Apple launched the highly anticipated iPhone 18 Pro series, the foldable iPhone Duo, and the new Apple Watch Series last month. Now that these new devices have hit retail stores, Apple is taking strict steps to tackle a growing issue: return fraud and the wastage of brand-new inventory.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Cupertino-based company is rolling out a new anti-theft scanner at its retail outlets. This tool allows Apple Store staff to inspect returned iPhone boxes and run diagnostics without ever breaking the sealed boxes.
Why Apple needs this new scanner
In recent times, Apple retail stores have faced cases where scammers buy Apple products, carefully remove the phone or its internal components to resell them in aftermarket channels, and then return the perfectly sealed box for a full refund. In some cases, this tampering is done on a large scale.
To fight this, Apple had instructed its retail store workers to open all returned boxes to verify the contents. While this helped catch the scammers, it created a massive problem for the company. Breaking the seal meant that a perfectly fine, untouched iPhone could no longer be sold as a brand-new device. Workers had to wipe out this sellable stock and send it all the way back to the warehouse for processing.
How the new scanner solves the problem
To save its inventory and still catch thieves, Apple has built a special device that can scan an iPhone while it is still inside the sealed box. The machine runs a diagnostic check to ensure the phone and all its parts are fully intact.
Now, if a genuine buyer simply changes their mind and returns an unopened phone, the store staff can instantly verify the contents and put the box straight back on the shelf for sale.
Powered by 'Presto' technology
Gurman notes that these new anti-theft scanners are built using Apple's "Presto" technology. Apple is already using this wireless system in its stores to install the latest iOS software updates on iPhones while they are still in their packaging. This ensures that customers get the newest software right out of the box without waiting.
The updated Presto devices also bring a new customization feature. The system can now wirelessly add a personalized greeting to the new iPhone Duo's setup screen, allowing the device to greet the buyer by name when they first turn it on.
The new anti-theft scanning devices started arriving at Apple retail locations earlier this month and are now becoming fully operational.