I respectfully submit that any attempt to use such a "feature" in Australia will find things a tad awkward under the Australian Consumer Guarantees.
Let me quote from page 1.
"Products must also:
......
* come with full title and ownership
* not carry any hidden debts or extra charges
* come with undisturbed possession, so no one has a right to take the goods away or prevent you from using them"
Also, you don't need to deal with Apple to make a claim under this guarantee. It is your choice as to whether you talk to the retailer or the manufacturer or the importer.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
