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.
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Code found in an iOS 27 beta would allow Apple to put a financed iPhone in "Restricted Mode" if it detects any missed payments, <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/ios-27-code-suggests-apple-could-restrict-leased-devices-after-missed-payments/"><em>9to5Mac reports</em></a>. The finding follows a story from <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-21/apple-to-launch-upgrade-device-leasing-program-with-klarna-to-spur-sales"><em>Bloomberg</em></a> earlier this week claiming Apple is preparing to launch a new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/968750/apple-upgrade-program">"Apple Upgrade"</a> financing program for leasing new devices. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">iPhones in "Restricted Mode" would reportedly lose access to nearly all apps, except for basics like the Phone app, Settings, and the App Store. It uses a new "App Managed Features" system that allows financing or partner apps to continually check if a financed device is in good standing.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to <em>9to5Mac</em>, the code also includes a …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/969596/apple-restricted-mode-ios-27">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
# iOS code could reportedly let Apple cut off apps when users miss iPhone payments
Source: [https://www.theverge.com/tech/969596/apple-restricted-mode-ios-27](https://www.theverge.com/tech/969596/apple-restricted-mode-ios-27)
[](https://www.theverge.com/authors/stevie-bonifield)
Stevie Bonifield
is a news writer covering all things consumer tech\. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI\.
Code found in an iOS 27 beta would allow Apple to put a financed iPhone in “Restricted Mode” if it detects any missed payments,[*9to5Mac reports*](https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/ios-27-code-suggests-apple-could-restrict-leased-devices-after-missed-payments/)\. The finding follows a story from[*Bloomberg*](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-21/apple-to-launch-upgrade-device-leasing-program-with-klarna-to-spur-sales)earlier this week claiming Apple is preparing to launch a new[“Apple Upgrade”](https://www.theverge.com/tech/968750/apple-upgrade-program)financing program for leasing new devices\.
iPhones in “Restricted Mode” would reportedly lose access to nearly all apps, except for basics like the Phone app, Settings, and the App Store\. It uses a new “App Managed Features” system that allows financing or partner apps to continually check if a financed device is in good standing\.
According to*9to5Mac*, the code also includes a new “Partner Finance Lock” intended to block users from “erasing, reselling, or stripping a restricted device for parts\.” While the feature is part of Find My, it reportedly doesn’t give financing partners access to the phone’s location\.
This is from a beta version of iOS 27, so it’s possible this code and the new “Restricted Mode” could get changed or removed before Apple officially releases iOS 27\. The “Apple Upgrade” program hasn’t been officially announced yet, either\. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment\.
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- Stevie Bonifield
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.
Apple is reportedly launching an 'Apple Upgrade' leasing program for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, offering 24-36 month leases with options to upgrade, keep, or return, backed by Klarna and replacing the current iPhone Upgrade 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.
An article analyzing the potential downsides of Apple's Upgrade Program, which leases devices with monthly payments and no interest, but warns about debt collection risks and contractual obligations.
Apple launched a new device leasing service called Apple Upgrade, allowing monthly rentals of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, but the article argues it's not the best financial option compared to buying outright.