Apple may lock leased iPhones if payments are missed, iOS 27 beta code suggests
Follow UsApple is reportedly developing a finance lock that could restrict leased iPhones if monthly payments are missed.
Essential apps like Phone, Settings, Wallet and Health may remain accessible even in Restricted Mode.
The feature is expected to support Apple's rumoured subscription-style device leasing program launching first in the US.
Apple may be preparing a system which may restrict access to leased iPhones if customers fail to keep up with the monthly payments. This comes after the reports claim that the iOS 27 beta has a feature designed to enforce financing agreements by limiting what users can do with a device when a lease falls out of good standing.
SurveyThe discovery comes after reports claimed Apple is preparing to introduce its new Apple Upgrade leasing service in the US. This programme is said to allow customers to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches through monthly payments, with the option to upgrade to newer models before the lease expires or return the device at the end of the contract.
Read: Apple may soon let you lease an iPhone like a car with its upcoming Upgrade plan: What we know
As per the report by 9to5Mac, the latest iOS 27 beta includes a new framework called App Managed Features, that appears to allow an authorised financing app to monitor the status of leased devices. If the financing provider determines that a contract has become delinquent, the software could place the iPhone into what the code describes as Restricted Mode.
In this state, access to most apps may get blocked until the issue is resolved. However, essential services may continue to function. The current list of permitted apps reportedly includes Phone, Settings, Wallet, Health, Clock, Passwords, App Store, Accessibility Reader and Magnifier. The apps capable of sending emergency or critical alerts such as Messages, Home or certain medical apps, can also remain available depending on financing provider’s financing policies.
The code also reportedly shows the new Partner Finance Lock, which appears to work along with Apple Find My system. The feature is made to prevent users from erasing, resetting or reselling a financed device while it is under restriction. Although it integrates with Find My, the financing company would not gain access to the user’s location data, according to the report.
The reports also added that the framework does not appear to pause App Store subscriptions even if access to an app is restricted. The code also suggests there is no fixed number of missed payments before restrictions are applied, leaving that decision to the financing provider’s own policies.
It must be noted that these features are part of iOS 27 beta and Apple can still modify or remove them before the software is officially released.
