install apps from app store on icloud locked iphone I'm getting started with iOS development and I need a test
device to test my apps. I thought of buying an ipod but then
I thought buying an icloud locked iphone 5s might be more
convenient (affordable) as it will basically do the same thing as the ipod.

I have a question though. Can I install apps on a device locked to a specific icloud account?
A phone that is activation locked denies you all functionality around the USB port while the iOS runs as well as all functionality of the multitouch screen other than being able to connect to a network or make an emergency phone call.

You can put the device into restore mode and re-load an iOS version on iTunes if that version is currently signed by apple, but after that, you are still denied the USB and multitouch functionality needed to complete the setup assistant screens or connect the device over USB to a computer for meaningful work.

See How can I bypass Activation Lock? for details on why Activation Lock is hard to bypass.