I wonder if Apple can trace these devices upon activation?

They should be able to. They have the s/n for all of them.

If they can turn on tracking remotely, that would be a scary thought. If they can do that, what else can they do remotely without user interaction. :bicker:

Originally Posted by dogfolife69

If they can turn on tracking remotely, that would be a scary thought. If they can do that, what else can they do remotely without user interaction. :bicker:

You've missed the point:

When these devices are activated, they register their serial number with Apple.

The IP address from whence they connect is in Apple's log files and can be matched to a user through the ISP's records (in most of Europe, this requires a police warrant, and I'm pretty certain it does in the US, as well, except for situations covered by the Homeland Security Act).

This would theoretically allow Apple to hand over a list of serial numbers and IP addresses to the police, with a request to match them up to users. Provided, of course, that Apple has an interest in catching the people who BOUGHT the stolen iPads, such as they have been sold.

If a majority of these stolen devices can be recovered directly from the thieves, they might just say "**** it", and let the unwitting buyers of stolen property get off.

In any case, this isn't location tracking by Apple in the way that Find My iPhone/iPad is when and if you switch it on.