Apple Watch lacks anti-theft security


Jeff Benjamin:

Unlike the iPhone, if someone steals your Apple Watch, they can easily reset the device (bypass the passcode), and pair it with a new iPhone logged in to a different iCloud account. In other words, it's totally feasible to steal an Apple Watch and set it up on a different device as if you just purchased it from an Apple Store.

Not sure how big of a deal watch theft will be. Something physically attached to someone is likely more of a challenge that grabbing a phone, especially if it's unattended. On the flip side, some of these Apple Watch bands seem easier to remove than put on, which could make it I guess easier to steal, if someone was that determined.

One issue is the watch has to be tethered to a phone for most remote verification. So a message PIN or Find my iPhone like feature might be a problem for those who have an issue also with their iPhone. Perhaps a firmware recovery key or something people would stash away.