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

Apple says devices leased through its Upgrade program will not be put into a restricted mode or lose features if payments are missed.

The clarification came after reports that iOS beta code hinted at a possible finance-linked device restriction system.

Klarna, Apple’s leasing partner, said it would end a lease after three missed payments and require the remaining balance to be repaid.

The statement eases concerns that Apple could remotely disable customer devices over payment defaults.