Man sues Apple for $5 million after company refused to recover data from stolen iPhone

iPhone

When your iPhone is stolen, it’s not just a device that’s gone, it’s your entire digital life. For Michael Mathews, a Minnesota tech executive, this nightmare became a reality when his iPhone was swiped in Arizona. The phone wasn’t just a communication tool; it stored over two terabytes of personal and professional data, from family photos to important tax records and work research. Losing it wasn’t just a blow to his privacy, it shut down his entire business, according to a Washington Post report.

The real problem was Apple wouldn’t help him recover his stolen data. Despite providing proof that the phone was his, the company refused to reset the recovery keys to allow him access to his information. Instead, Mathews was left in the dark, unable to get back his crucial data. In response, he filed a lawsuit against Apple, seeking $5 million in damages and a way to regain access to his files.

Apple does offer security features like “Find My” to lock a lost or stolen phone, but these protections can be easily bypassed if the thief knows what they’re doing. In some cases, they can change recovery emails and reset passwords, locking the rightful owner out of their account. If a user hasn’t backed up their data to iCloud, the situation becomes even more dire—Apple won’t return any of that lost data, citing privacy concerns.

Mathews is far from alone in his struggle. Other iPhone users have faced similar challenges, and this lawsuit could shine a light on Apple’s handling of stolen device data. If the case gains traction, Apple may have to rethink how it supports customers dealing with theft—hopefully offering a way to recover lost data without jumping through legal hoops. Until then, iPhone users might want to rethink how they back up their lives.