You need Apple’s permission to wipe a device so when you steal a device, you can’t wipe it and sell it. It’s part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to prevent stolen devices providing any value when stolen.

> It's absurd that text messages are routed through Apple's servers

Well, that’s because…they’re not text messages.

Aren't all text messages routed through a server? I guess it's more decentralized when it comes to telecom though.