Apple to Launch Device Rental Plan Next Tuesday with App Limits for Overdue Users

According to Gizmodo and Bloomberg, Apple will launch the Apple Upgrade device rental plan next Tuesday (July 28), introducing controversial payment monitoring for iPhone and Mac devices. The plan shifts high-end products to a long-term rental model where users never own the hardware, differing from traditional installment payments.

Overdue users will be automatically switched to a "restricted mode," blocking over 90% of apps and retaining only 9 basic functions including phone, settings, and health apps. Users remain required to pay software subscriptions even while apps are blocked. The payment service is handled by Swedish fintech company Klarna, and users cannot purchase AppleCare protection or factory reset devices in restricted mode.