Apple recently released a neat new tool that allows anyone to check the Activation Lock status of an iOS device and see if everything's okay and ready to use.

The black market for stolen smartphones continues to thrive despite efforts to combat smartphone theft, and the recently-launched iPhone 6, for instance, can go up to $1,000 off-contract.

Apple's newly-launched iCloud tool should come in handy in such situations, as it can establish whether an iOS device you're considering to buy is protected with Activation Lock, a feature that launched with iOS 7.

Activation Lock is designed as a security feature that prevents anyone from erasing or activating an iOS device without entering the Apple ID and password.

If someone wants to sell or pass on their iOS device, they must first disable this feature by entering their Apple ID and password. Otherwise, the device would be unusable for the new owner.

With this new iCloud tool, Apple now aims to make it easier to check a device's Activation Lock status. This way, it can help prevent people from purchasing a device that might have been lost, stolen, or uusable because the previous owner simply forgot to remove the device from his account.

This security feature is turned on by default on any iOS device with iCloud enabled, and law enforcement actually said a while back that Activation Lock has played an important role in curbing iPhone thefts in certain metropolitan areas.

If you're considering purchasing an iOS device from someone, it's highly recommended that you take advantage of this security tool. All you have to do is access the iCloud Activation Lock at this link and enter the IMEI or Serial Number of the device in question. If the device is locked, a message will notify you that the current Apple ID and password are necessary before anyone else can activate and use the device. If Activation Lock is turned off, it means that everything is in order and you can make your purchase, as the device is ready for a new owner.

If you don't know how to check a device's IMEI or Serial Number, head over to Apple's support pages here for a comprehensive guide.

This is not the only way to check the Activation Lock status of an iOS device, but Apple's new iCloud tool aims to make the whole process easier. Anyone intending to buy an iOS device from someone should find this tool quite useful and straightforward, so it's worth taking into account.