Rumor: iOS 27 to Introduce Feature to Lock Unpaid iPhones, Cutting Off Access to Most Apps
Secret code found in iOS 27 beta reveals Apple's plan to implement restricted mode and device locking if users fall behind on mobile phone installment payments
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Code found in iOS 27 beta points to restricted mode for iPhones with overdue installments
- iPhones in restricted mode will only have access to basic apps such as Phone, Settings, and App Store
- Partner Finance Lock feature added to prevent data wiping, resale, or dismantling
- Following Bloomberg's report regarding the new Apple Upgrade financing program
Crucial clues from the source code of the iOS 27 beta, discovered by the website 9to5Mac, indicate that Apple is developing the capability to enable a restricted mode on iPhones purchased through installment plans if the system detects delayed or defaulted payments.
This clue aligns with a report from Bloomberg released earlier in the same week, which revealed that Apple is preparing to launch a new financial program named Apple Upgrade, specifically designed to support the leasing or installment purchasing of new smartphone models.
Apple's development of such deep software-level device control systems reflects its efforts to manage credit risk for its own financial programs. Using cloud-based measures to block application access and lock devices is a common practice in the financial and IT equipment lending industries to reduce default rates and prevent fraud.
Regarding how Restricted Mode works, iPhones entering this status will have their access cut off to almost all applications on the device, leaving only truly essential basic functions available: the Phone application, the Settings application, and the App Store, so that users can still communicate or process installment payments.
This system is powered by a new architecture called App Managed Features, which allows applications from financial institutions or financial service partners to continuously monitor the installment payment account status of that specific device in real time.
Furthermore, the report from 9to5Mac also states that hidden within the code is a feature called Partner Finance Lock, designed to prevent users from wiping the device, performing a factory reset, attempting to resell the phone in the second-hand market, or even dismantling it for parts. This feature is tied to Apple's Find My system, though it has been confirmed that financial partners will not be able to access the device's location data in any way.
However, since these features and codes were found in a testing version like the iOS 27 beta, it is still possible that Apple may modify, revise, or even remove this Restricted Mode feature before the official software update is released to the public. Meanwhile, the Apple Upgrade financial program has not yet been officially announced by the company, and Apple has not provided any comments regarding this issue when contacted.
Source: The Verge
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