iOS devices must be activated to use them. This is indeed stored in a database. AppleCare and third-party repair centers can query activation information using GSX.
You are correct about pre-T1 Intel Macs though. Apple will have a blind spot by design, until support is dropped for old machines.
You are correct about pre-T1 Intel Macs though. Apple will have a blind spot by design, until support is dropped for old machines.