# Apple Could Remotely Deactivate Unpaid iPhones New iOS feature will restrict phones when payments are delayed. - **Source:** [Mashable](https://brifing.si/source/3cd6d1d0-9c29-4750-8bc9-f2afefb52505) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b783f114-acbc-4ac9-a0c6-53c718b0bcab ## New Restriction for iPhones With iOS 27, Apple will be able to remotely place iPhones of customers with delayed payments into Restricted Mode. In this mode, users will only have access to basic apps. ## Authority to Financing Partners Financing partners leasing iPhones will be able to check customers' payment status and activate Restricted Mode in case of delays. ## Could Come to Older iPhones This feature won't be limited to new iPhones. An upcoming update to iOS 26 could bring this restriction to older models as well. ## Apple Upgrade Program Apple will launch a new leasing program in partnership with Klarna. This program will allow customers to purchase iPhones in two-year installments. ## Control of Tech Giants This feature once again highlights the control big tech companies have over devices. Customers' use of their devices can be restricted in case of payment delays. ## Consumer Rights Concerns Such remote restriction features are met with concern by consumer rights advocates. Apple's move raises questions about the power of tech giants. ## Sources covering this story - https://mashable.com/tech/ios-27-apple-deactivate-leased-iphone — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._