Apple Police Log: Leaked M5 iPad Pro Models Likely Stolen
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In September, the Russian YouTube channel Wylsacom posted a video of appeared to be an unreleased M5 iPad Pro — the same tablet Apple officially unveiled last week. This was followed by a second video from another YouTuber based in Russia.
While there was some skepticism as to the legitimacy of these videos, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman treated them as factual in his Power On newsletter a few days later, adding that they were likely stolen from a European warehouse and sold to the YouTubers, noting that Apple routinely pre-positions new products in its shipping channels ahead of launch.
This appears to be educated speculation on Gurman’s part, but it’s the most plausible explanation. That said, United 24 Media went on to claim that “sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Apple is investigating the security lapse,” and that “the packaging and serial data correspond to products intended for EU markets.” However, the source of this information is unclear, as the report links only back to Gurman’s Power On newsletter where Gurman described this as the “likely” origin of the iPads.
Nevertheless, similar leaks occurred last year involving M4-powered MacBook Pro models and Russia-based YouTube channels. That was unprecedented at the time, but with history repeating itself, it could mark the start of a trend, and Apple is no doubt eager to plug this particular leak.
The Leaked M5 iPad Pro Models
The video from Wylsacom showed fully operating devices, with packaging and user interface all appearing to be ready for retail buyers. The videos show the iPad defaulting to Chinese at startup, indicating they may have been stolen from shipments rerouted from Asian logistics hubs. Once set up, the units were able to download and activate Russian apps, connecting successfully to Apple services, providing additional evidence that the units were genuine Apple products.
Apple typically pre-stocks its global warehouses to ensure smooth product launches — a strategy that appears to have backfired here. Still, if the thieves accessed Apple’s pre-delivery stock, that means they were able to bypass several layers of security, possibly indicating inside help.
To be clear, there’s no evidence that the iPads were stolen by the YouTubers themselves. As Gurman noted, it’s more plausible that they acquired the devices through black-market channels.
Some reports have suggested that Apple is examining its supply chain to pinpoint the source of the breach and determine how it happened. The timing means the thefts had to have occurred before the products moved into retail channels, placing the fault in Apple’s distribution system, not any retailers.
Tracked AirPods Lead to Arrest of Suspects in Two Crimes
Meanwhile, a pair of unrelated but more literal theft cases show how Apple’s tracking ecosystem can turn the tables on criminals.
Tracked AirPods Lead to Arrest of Suspected Home Invader
A pair of stolen AirPods, tracked by Philadelphia-area police, led to a suspect accused of carrying out a home invasion in suburban Bucks County.
According to 6 ABC, investigators say 33-year-old Nafis Fisher broke into the home, where a mother, father on hospice care, and their 25-year-old daughter were inside. The suspect allegedly had broken into the home of a family, becoming panicked after the daughter screamed, alerting the rest of the family to the crime.
The man fled, but not before grabbing the AirPods, as well as a wallet, passport, and credit cards. Police then tracked the AirPods (as you can do through Apple’s “Find My” app on the iPhone and other Apple devices); the suspect was found sleeping in his car with the stolen items near him.
“He was a stranger to this family, that we know with certainty,” said Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn.
“Perhaps the most scary part of this investigation is the fact that there was a knife on her bed, and an extension cord on the floor next to her bed where the intruder was holding her down,” Schorn said.
“Her mom physically grappled with the intruder,” Schorn added.
The suspect is being held on $250,000 bond on charges, including burglary, aggravated assault, and related offenses.
Stolen AirPods Lead Police to Theft Suspect
Tracked AirPods also helped lead police in Charleston, SC, to a suspect in several car break-ins.
WCBD reports that video footage also played a role in the apprehension of the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Shaoquna Rishen Williams. When police slapped the handcuffs on him, he was wearing a Rolex that was also stolen in the thefts.
“They discovered a stolen Rolex watch on the suspect’s wrist and recovered a bookbag containing additional property, including the tracked AirPods, all reported stolen in the nearby car break-ins,” stated a CPD news release.
Williams faces several charges, including receiving stolen goods greater than $10,000, two counts of receiving stolen goods less than $2,000, three counts of breaking into motor vehicles, and one count of tampering with a vehicle. He is currently being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
