By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 25/07/2026Today, Apple is getting into the leasing business. Having monopolized its markets and eliminated the possibility of growth by making and selling things, the company is becoming a lender. As a lender, Apple wants to maximize the risk premiums it can charge, while minimizing its actual risk. 47/ 1153
By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 25/07/2026That's why the new version of iOS - the operating system for iPhones and iPads - comes with software that lets lenders brick your device if you miss a payment: 9to5mac.com/2026/07/21/i... 48/9to5mac.comiOS 27 code suggests Apple could restrict leased devices after missed payments - 9to5MacCode found in the iOS 27 beta suggests Apple has built a system that could restrict leased devices when customers fall behind on payments. 1269
By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 25/07/2026The code steals a trick from India's subprime phone lenders, giving Apple the ability to "restrict apps and services when payments are missed." 49/ 1160