My iCloud account shows all my devices

I had to check myself, and there are serial/IMEI numbers there, at least the last-five version of each... maybe they store partial hashes instead of the full numbers (hopefully, but I'm a pessimist)

You enrolled in an optional program for personal use. It’s different if Apple coopts that for a different use and the set is likely incomplete.

iCloud ≠ email. I have an iCloud account with a non-functioning e-mail address.

LOL, you're one step away from writing a cautionary Medium post.

I believe you can set up an iCloud account with just a phone number.

Did you set it up a long time ago? It appears new iCloud accounts require a phone number for 2FA.

The fact that you can see them does not mean that Apple can. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if they couldn’t.

The Apple Store (online/iOS app) suggests accessories/confirms accessories are compatible with your devices when shopping, so they have some info.

They could make it pull - add to next MacOS update, and the machine just checks the serial and pops up a window if you're affected.

Apple's has shown on multiple occasions that it's more than happy to have rules for third parties and the ecosystem that are different from the rules it has for itself.

You can't use iMessage without a valid Mac SN, for example.

> I can’t imagine Apple, a champion of privacy, wants to keep a mapping of serial number to user emails.

Privacy is the right to be left alone, and dying in a fire seems like the exact opposite of being left alone.

They clearly do, you have all your devices in icloud, and you can use that to find them when they go missing.

I'd expect them to keep a record of what their customers purchased, this seems like basic bookkeeping to me.

Can you not walk into an Apple store with a wad of cash and walk out with a laptop?