device connects to cellular network without warning or consent prior to activation

Originator:sneak
Number:rdar://FB9686903 Date Originated:7 oct 2021
Status: Resolved:
Product:ipados 15.0.1 Product Version:
Classification: Reproducible:
 
The device (ipad mini 5th gen) activates its cellular connection to connect to Apple for activation, even with no SIM card installed, after a restore.

This leaks the IMEI and device location to the carrier, even when the cellular connection is not intended to be used at all on this device.

The device should not automatically connect to cellular data networks without warning or consent after a restore.  There's a data and privacy notice for activation about sending device information to Apple - but it sends the IMEI (and presumably some eSIM stuff) and location to the carrier prior to that without any such warning or consent!

this is on 15.0.1 on an ipad mini 5

Comments


Please note: Reports posted here will not necessarily be seen by Apple. All problems should be submitted at bugreport.apple.com before they are posted here. Please only post information for Radars that you have filed yourself, and please do not include Apple confidential information in your posts. Thank you!