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      Chimera / Chimaera Device-Policy Lock on iPhone

      What Chimera is, implications of a Chimera locked device, when it is applied and when it is not.

      1. Overview

      “Chimera” (sometimes spelled Chimaera) is an Apple-imposed activation-policy that replaces the normal “Carrier Lock” entry in Settings or IMEI reports. When present, it reads “Chimaera / Blacklist Device Policy” and the phone will not activate on any SIM or eSIM worldwide. Apple Support Communities

      2. What Exactly Is Chimera?

      Aspect Details
      Authority Applied directly by Apple—not by carriers, insurers, or MDM vendors. 
      Technical Mechanism Apple changes the device’s Next Tether Activation Policy in its database to an imaginary carrier called Chimera; during setup the activation server instructs iOS to reject all SIM profiles.
      Intent To render inventory that Apple deems lost, stolen, counterfeit, or unreturned after a warranty/service swap unusable on cellular networks. 
       

      3. When Will Apple Apply a Chimera Lock?

      Scenario Typical Trigger
      Store theft or freight loss Devices that disappear in transit or from retail stock. 
      Unreturned service-exchange units A customer receives a replacement iPhone but fails to send the defective unit back; Apple flags the serial/IMEI. Apple Support Communities
      Fraudulent or gray-market warranty claims Replacement devices obtained with fake proof-of-purchase are later locked. Apple Support Communities
       

      4. When Won’t Apple Use Chimera?

      Situation Lock Type (if any) Why Chimera doesn’t apply
      Missed payments on Apple Card Monthly Installments or iPhone Upgrade Program None (phones ship unlocked) Apple’s financing terms do not include remote-disable; community specialists confirm financing “does not cause the phone to lock.” Apple Support Communities
      Carrier-financed device default Carrier SIM-lock Carriers, not Apple, control subsidy locks and blacklist entries. Apple Support
      Activation Lock / Find My theft-deterrent Apple ID–based iCloud lock Independent of Chimera; both locks can coexist but are separate subsystems.
       

      5. Implications of a Chimera Lock

      • Activation fails with “This iPhone cannot be activated for service”.

      • All physical SIMs & eSIMs are rejected—even on the original carrier.

      • No lawful carrier unlock exists; only Apple’s internal security team can remove the flag after proof of legitimate ownership. Third-party “Chimera unlock” offers are unofficial and often scams.

      • Device resale value drops to near zero; reputable buyers treat Chimera devices as unrecoverable loss inventory.

      6. How to Identify a Chimera-Locked iPhone

      1. Go to Settings › General › About → Carrier Lock.
        Shows “Chimaera / Blacklist Device Policy” Apple Support Communities

      2. Or run PorlogMobile Apple OEM check and look for the same policy string under Carrier.

      3. During setup, watch for an error right after Wi-Fi join—before the SIM screen appears.

      7. What Can a User Do?

      Path Chances Notes
      Contact Apple Support with original receipt Possible if you are verifiably the rightful owner of a mis-flagged replacement phone. Turn-around can take weeks and is never guaranteed.  
      Return for refund (if recently purchased second-hand) High  
      Third-party “unlock” services Very low  
       

      8. FAQ

      • Q: Will Apple lock my phone with Chimera if I stop paying Citizens One or the Apple Card bill?
        A: No. Financing agreements handle non-payment through conventional collections; the device remains unlocked.

      • Q: How is this different from a carrier lock?
        A: Carrier locks restrict the phone to a single network and can be lifted by that carrier once obligations are met. Chimera blocks all networks and only Apple can remove it. Apple Support

      • Q: Does restoring iOS remove Chimera?
        A: No. The flag is server-side; any restore or DFU update will fail activation afterward.

      • Q: Can Find My Activation Lock bypass Chimera?
        A: No—the two systems operate independently; a phone may be free of iCloud lock yet still be Chimera-blocked.

      9. Takeaways

      • Chimera is rare and severe—meant for Apple-owned assets that should never reach consumers.

      • It is not a financing or carrier-payment enforcement tool.

      • If you encounter a Chimera device, treat it as non-functional unless Apple Support certifies otherwise.