As someone who was mugged for his phone about a decade ago, I am very very very much in favor of Apple continuing to require this. It is very much pro consumer on the whole.
The mugging scenario shows that there are risks associated with pairing removal, but the suggestion by lcnPylGDnU4H9OF [1] seems to deal with this particular issue.
- Allow to remove the pairing after a timed delay, say 30 minutes
- Require authentication including a second factor to initiate and confirm the removal
Assuming a mugger isn't likely to sit there for 30 minutes given the chance someone could walk by. If this is the only way to remove the part such that it can be paired with another device, doesn't it solve both problems? I get the feeling Apple is being a bit disingenuous with their "risk to consumers" claims.
Look into the iPhone unlock scam networks. They’re using blackmail tactics as it is.
Anyway, no, the mugger isn't going to try to unlock it while holding you at gun point. They'll rip and run, and sell it for $20 to a fence who will pass it up the chain. Usually they end up in other countries.
Similar in concept to the groups that will take cars stolen in the US, grind off all the VIN plates and other identifying marks, fake paperwork, and then sell them into markets in Africa and the Middle East where the buyers don't ask questions, and government officials are easily and publically bribed.
Are there any other risks?
[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39707586 (in reply to you)