Code in the iOS 27 beta points to a system that could restrict apps on a financed iPhone when there is a payment problem, reports 9to5Mac.
App Managed Features would allow an authorised finance partner’s app to check the contract status. If Restricted Mode is triggered, most apps and services could become unavailable.
The allowlist found in the code includes Phone, Clock, Settings, the App Store, Wallet, Health, Passwords, Magnifier and Accessibility Reader. Access to Messages, Home and some critical apps may depend on the configuration.
The code does not set a fixed number of missed payments. Activation would depend on the finance provider’s policies, and the partner would not gain access to the device’s location.
The mechanism also includes safeguards against erasing, reselling or dismantling the device. Apple has not announced the feature: beta code may change or never reach the final release.
