Why is iCloud locked = kill switch? Why is this policy randomly enforced?

[kingkandygoods]

Im an electronics recycler and I constantly got iCloud locked devices. From my knowledge, iCloud lock is not equivalent to a kill switch at all, and these devices were not reported stolen but were improperly recycled and not wiped so theyre just fancy paperweights because of it and cant even be sold for parts? I dont plan on selling any more iCloud locked devices because it seems to just randomly be enforced, even if iCloud lock is not a kill switch or device reported stolen or lost.

I will unfortunately have to list iPhones in large lots and take a significant loss on these because noone ever properly recycles their phone, but thats the way the world works I suppose and Ill wait for this inevitable iCloud take down apocalypse to happen.

[gottasellemall69]

If not worried about account/not locked, have you tried resetting the device via the Apple Devices desktop app? Factory resets and flashes firmware, brand new device afterwards....

[bennotbill]

Flashing the firmware in an iPhone doesn't remove an iCloud lock.

[jonathanbrightlight]

An iCloud Lock is about as close to a kill switch as you can get.  The phone is almost useless, except to part out, if you can't get the original owner to remove the lock.