...how Apple was able to remotely disable that one specific phone at their will.
This does not prove that Apple has the ability to remote-wipe any user's phone.
First, if Apple remote-wiped the iPhone, this would be explained by the fact that the company administrator of mobile devices can disable employee and contractor phones, and Apple does give out iPhones to its employees. It's logical that the owner of this prototype phone is an iPhone employee.
Secondly, it's likely that the rightful owner decided to remote-wipe the phone themselves to protect their own personal data (as he or she would do to any other lost or stolen phone) while continuing the search.
Not only is there no evidence that Apple can remote-wipe any user's phone, but it's very possible they specifically passed on having this ability in order to minimize liability.
Comments
...how Apple was able to remotely disable that one specific phone at their will.
This does not prove that Apple has the ability to remote-wipe any user's phone.
First, if Apple remote-wiped the iPhone, this would be explained by the fact that the company administrator of mobile devices can disable employee and contractor phones, and Apple does give out iPhones to its employees. It's logical that the owner of this prototype phone is an iPhone employee.
Secondly, it's likely that the rightful owner decided to remote-wipe the phone themselves to protect their own personal data (as he or she would do to any other lost or stolen phone) while continuing the search.
Not only is there no evidence that Apple can remote-wipe any user's phone, but it's very possible they specifically passed on having this ability in order to minimize liability.