Earlier this week it was rumored that Apple was preparing for a near-future launch of a new upgrade program that would be a subscription-style service to lease iPhones over a 24-month period, and now it’s being rumored that Apple is developing a feature in iOS 27 that would allow it to restrict the use of certain apps on leased devices if there are too many missed payments.
The system has not been confirmed yet, but it’s being reported that iOS 27 contains code that would allow for these app restrictions. Apple’s iPhone leasing program, which is said to be called Apple Upgrade, is rumored to be launching next week. A different rumor surfaced this week that Sony and Microsoft could be looking into similar systems for leasing the next-gen consoles. Though this has not been confirmed or announced either.
The ‘Restrict Mode’ system reportedly applies to iPhones, Apple Watches, Macs, and iPads, as these would be devices that are part of the new Apple Upgrade program.
The ability for iOS 27 to restrict apps on leased devices would be handled by financing provider apps
According to code found in the iOS 27 beta, these restrictions would be handled by the financing provider’s app. It is not mentioned how many missed payments would be required to trigger this set of restrictions. Rather, there is no fixed number, and the restrictions are decided by the provider’s own internal policies.
The restrictions would not suspend access to all apps, and would leave apps that are deemed necessary for critical alerts accessible to users, including the Phone app, the Wallet app, Settings, Passwords, and a few others. However, it’s also stated that the financing provider could make exceptions.
Additionally, there is mention of code labeled “Partner Finance Lock” that would prevent users from essentially erasing this system through means of factory resetting the device or selling the device off, as the system would remain intact and apps unusable by the new owner.
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