PARIS: Software company Apple was charged € 25 million euros for intentionally slowing or stopping outdated iPhone models by simply telling consumers that software upgrades would delay older phones.
Many people accused the company of unexpectedly pressuring users to buy phones earlier than necessary, and the controversy prompted Apple to upgrade its technology and give substantial battery replacement offers.
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The controversy emerged in December 2017, when the US tech company revealed that its new iOS app was slowing down the performance of phones whose battery life weakened. In January 2018, French authorities launched an investigation at the demand of the organization Halt Planned Obsolescence (HOP).
“This is a historic win over outrageous prepared-to-rubbish activities for both consumers and the environment,” said HOP co-founders Laetitia Vasseur and Samuel Sauvage, saying that they will examine filing lawsuits for consequential damages to iPhone users.
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