Apple confirms it will not enable a 'restricted mode' on devices leased through its Upgrade program if payments are missed, despite earlier code hints in iOS 27 beta suggesting such a feature.
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple says it won't limit the capabilities of devices leased through its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/971220/apple-upgrade-program-iphone-mac-ipad-lease-launch">new Upgrade program</a> if you miss a payment. In an emailed statement to <em>The Verge</em>, Apple spokesperson Brian Bumbery says, "There will be no restricted mode and/or there will be no limitations put on device functionality due to missed payments or default with the Apple Upgrade program."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This confirmation <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/ios-27-code-suggests-apple-could-restrict-leased-devices-after-missed-payments/">comes after <em>9to5Mac</em></a><em> </em>uncovered code in an iOS 27 beta for a new "App Managed Features" system. This <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/969596/apple-restricted-mode-ios-27">would reportedly allow</a> financial partners to "perform ongoing status checks" on a device, as well as have Apple's system services put a device in "Restricted Mode" if its ow …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/972063/apple-upgrade-program-no-restricted-mode">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
# Apple won’t turn on any ‘restricted mode’ for missed lease payments
Source: [https://www.theverge.com/tech/972063/apple-upgrade-program-no-restricted-mode](https://www.theverge.com/tech/972063/apple-upgrade-program-no-restricted-mode)
[](https://www.theverge.com/authors/emma-roth)
Emma Roth
is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more\. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO\.
Apple says it won’t limit the capabilities of devices leased through its[new Upgrade program](https://www.theverge.com/tech/971220/apple-upgrade-program-iphone-mac-ipad-lease-launch)if you miss a payment\. In an emailed statement to*The Verge*, Apple spokesperson Brian Bumbery says, “There will be no restricted mode and/or there will be no limitations put on device functionality due to missed payments or default with the Apple Upgrade program\.”
This confirmation[comes after*9to5Mac*](https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/ios-27-code-suggests-apple-could-restrict-leased-devices-after-missed-payments/)uncovered code in an iOS 27 beta for a new “App Managed Features” system\. This[would reportedly allow](https://www.theverge.com/tech/969596/apple-restricted-mode-ios-27)financial partners to “perform ongoing status checks” on a device, as well as have Apple’s system services put a device in “Restricted Mode” if its owner isn’t in good financial standing\. As noted by*9to5Mac*, Restricted Mode would prevent users from accessing most apps on their phone, except for basic ones like Phone, the App Store, Clock, Settings, and Wallet\.
Apple is partnering with the buy now, pay later service Klarna to launch its Upgrade program, allowing customers to lease a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch for a flat monthly price with no interest fees\. Klarna spokesperson Clare Nordstrom tells*The Verge*that if customers miss three payments in a row, the company will “terminate the lease agreement and the customer will need to pay the full outstanding balance\.”
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- Emma Roth
Code in an iOS 27 beta suggests Apple could activate a 'Restricted Mode' on financed iPhones that disables most apps if payments are missed, as part of an upcoming 'Apple Upgrade' leasing program.
Apple has launched a new leasing program called Apple Upgrade, allowing customers to lease iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches with options to upgrade, purchase, or return at the end of the term, replacing the previous iPhone Upgrade Program.
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