Apple could place financed iPhones in Restricted Mode if those users miss regular payments on their devices, judging by code spotted within the forthcoming iOS 27 operating system.
9to5Mac spotted a system called “App Managed Features” in the iOS 27 beta, which could enable the company financing the phone to block access to most apps until the account is in good order. Conveniently. the apps that would be available would primarily be those allowing the user to pay up and regain access to the phone.
They include Phone, Wallet, App Store, Passwords, and Settings. Even accessibility settings like Accessibility Reader and Magnifier could be construed as ways for Apple to ensure users have the tools they need to pay up. Wallet for example, would enable users to update their credit card information and Phone allows people to call the financing company. Passwords can help if it’s simply an account-based issue. Struggling to see the screen? Get the Magnifier app out so you can cough up the cash you owe. See the thinking here?
The Clock app is also listed on the allow list. Perhaps so you can make sure the alarm goes off in the morning so you can get your ass to work and pay off that bill? The Health app is currently on there too, presumably because it can deliver key details surrounding medications and other health-based updates. We can’t think of anything clever to say around that one.
The report from 9to5Mac also points out that ‘apps that can send critical alerts’ like Messages could stay open. According to the code, the determination of how many missed payments it’d take to cause the phone to be placed in restricted mode is to be left to the party financing the phone.
It could be that if you’re having a bad month and miss a payment you’re suddenly restricted. It all feels quite ‘end-stage capitalism’ doesn’t it?
The report places this discovery within the context of speculation Apple is planning to launch an Apple Upgrade Program that makes it possible to finance a broad range of Apple devices – including new iPhones, Macs, iPads and Apple Watch models. In the United States Apple will reportedly work with the buy-now-pay-later firm Klarna.
It’s possible Apple may introduce the App Managed Features safeguard to coincide with the launch of the new financing program.
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