iOS 27 code hints at strict penalties for missed Apple lease payments

According to a Bloomberg report this week, Apple is about to change the way people buy its products. Mark Gurman reports that a new Apple Upgrade program is coming week that will allow people to lease Macs, iPhones, iPads, and other products rather than buying them outright.

We don’t have much in the way of details about the new program, but some code references in the latest iOS 27 beta suggest Apple is developing a new system that will allow it to lock down certain features in the event of missed payments. As discovered by 9to5Mac, iOS 27 contains references to a new App Managed Features system that will allow authorized financial providers to perform status checks with leased devices.

The references here are expected to apply to iPadOS and macOS as well.

According to the code, the system will allow providers to remotely place iPhones in “Restricted Mode,” which would block access to most apps and services until payment is made. The report claims the following apps will remain available for use:

• Accessibility Reader
• App Store
• Health
• Magnifier
• Phone
• Clock
• Settings
• Wallet
• Passwords

Notably, Safari and Messages aren’t included in the list, so it’s unclear whether access to these apps would also be restricted. Furthermore, the code references a new “Partner Finance Lock,” which is designed to prevent users from erasing, reselling, or stripping a restricted device for parts. It’s not clear whether Apple or its partners would be able to remotely lock or wipe phones for missed payments.

The current iPhone Upgrade Program, which is expected to be sunsetted when the new version arrives next week, does not include these feature restrictions.

The terms of the new upgrade program are somewhat unclear, but these discoveries suggest it will be treated more like a leased product than a financed one. With a lease, customers never actually own anything but have the option to buy the product once the monthly payments have been completed. Alternatively, a finance plan spreads the entire cost of the product over a period of time.