So, depending on my conclusion once we know more about the RAM in the new iPad Pros (yeah, I know… I’m making something out of nothing probably) I might end up returning an iOS Device for the first time ever (and getting the 1 TB instead).
I have a feeling that quite a few people here have tested and returned iOS Devices, and thought it would be nice to have a Topic covering what to do.
The process itself seems simple. Keep the packaging, log in to your Account and get a return registered, and wait for pickup.
But what do you do with the device? Do you take extra precautions to protect the data that’s been on the Device while used? Like multiple erases or something?
Your iOS device is already encrypted. When you tap Settings > General > Reset then tap ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ the OS is essentially re-encrypting the files with a key no one knows, then deleting the encrypted file keys. Even if someone could get back the structured, encrypted data it’s still (hopelessly) encrypted. As Apple’s Security guide says,
The “Erase all content and settings” option in Settings obliterates all of the keys in Effaceable Storage, rendering all user data on the device cryptographically inaccessible. Therefore, it’s an ideal way to be sure all personal information is removed from a device before giving it to somebody else or returning it for service.
Important: Don’t use the “Erase all content and settings” option until device has been backed up, as there is no way to recover the erased data.
Actually, it seems to have been automatically removed from “Devices” from my Apple ID when i logged out of iCloud before doing the Erase All Data and Content process. But I guess it’s good to check to make sure it’s been removed.