Apple won’t turn on any ‘restricted mode’ for missed lease payments

<figure> <img alt="iPhone 17E on a desk" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/DSC02947_processed.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple says it won't limit the capabilities of devices leased through its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/971220/apple-upgrade-program-iphone-mac-ipad-lease-launch">new Upgrade program</a> if you miss a payment. In an emailed statement to <em>The Verge</em>, Apple spokesperson Brian Bumbery says, "There will be no restricted mode and/or there will be no limitations put on device functionality due to missed payments or default with the Apple Upgrade program."</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This confirmation <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/ios-27-code-suggests-apple-could-restrict-leased-devices-after-missed-payments/">comes after <em>9to5Mac</em></a><em> </em>uncovered code in an iOS 27 beta for a new "App Managed Features" system. This <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/969596/apple-restricted-mode-ios-27">would reportedly allow</a> financial partners to "perform ongoing status checks" on a device, as well as have Apple's system services put a device in "Restricted Mode" if its ow …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/972063/apple-upgrade-program-no-restricted-mode">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>