Code in iOS 27 lets Apple deactivate leased iPhones, report says
Apple is reportedly testing a feature in iOS 27 that allows the company and third-party lenders to remotely restrict iPhone functionality if a user falls behind on lease payments. The 'Restricted Mode' would limit access to essential apps and widgets, potentially impacting older devices via future updates.
Why it matters
This development highlights the growing power of corporations to exert control over consumer hardware, raising significant concerns regarding digital ownership and privacy.
The iPhone 18 is about to launch, along with the final version of its operating system, iOS 27, most likely in September. But a new report says it may arrive with a feature that lets Apple, and third-party lenders, remotely deactivate phones if customers fall behind on payments. With the iOS 27 beta now widely available, 9to5Mac found code that would let Apple place delinquent iPhones in "Restricted Mode." This would limit users to a short list of widgets and apps, including the App Store, Clock, Settings, Wallet, and Passwords, according to the report. In theory, 9to5Mac says the system could work like this: Authorized financing partners who lease iPhones to customers get to perform regular status checks to see if the contract is still valid.
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