Apple first introduced its Activation Lock Status checker back in October 2014 that enabled users to enter the serial number or IMEI of the user’s Apple devices to find out if they are secured. This would essentially allow users to find out whether the Apple device that they are about to purchase is locked to another user or not.
In other words, users buying iPhone, iPad or iPod touch devices could request for the device’s serial number and use the Activation Lock Status checker to verify if the lock had been turned off. If the device was still locked then it is most likely a lost or a stolen one.
A report by Macrumours suggest that Apple has now removed the tool from its iCloud page. The company has not explained why it removed the page.
Apple's Activation Lock Status page.
Several users last year experienced an Activation Lock issue wherein the device they bought was locked to someone else’s Apple ID. At that time, Apple disabled the Activation lock upon being provided with the proof of purchase. However, it remains to be seen what the future plans of Apple will be regarding the device.
