Apple has apparently been fined €25 million in France for making older iPhones slower. The company did this when there was an issue with batteries on handsets.
It is well documented that older iPhones were slowed down with degraded batteries in an attempt to make them more reliable. Although the intention was to prevent unexpected shutdowns and extend the lifespan of the devices, the issue was that Apple did not inform users they were doing this at first. This lack of transparency led to significant backlash from consumers who felt misled.
The Battery Controversy
The controversy began when users noticed that their older iPhones were becoming sluggish after software updates. Investigations revealed that Apple had introduced a feature in iOS that throttled the performance of iPhones with aging batteries. The rationale behind this was to prevent devices from shutting down unexpectedly due to insufficient battery power. However, many users interpreted this as a tactic to push them towards purchasing newer models.
In response to the outcry, Apple issued an apology and offered battery replacements on older iPhones at a reduced cost. This move was aimed at regaining customer trust and addressing the performance issues without forcing users to upgrade their devices. The battery replacement program was widely utilized, with many users reporting improved performance after getting new batteries installed.
Legal Repercussions and Settlement
The issue caught the attention of regulatory authorities around the world. In France, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) launched an investigation into Apple’s practices. The investigation concluded that Apple had engaged in “deceptive commercial practices by omission” by not informing consumers about the performance throttling.
As a result, Apple and French authorities have now agreed that Apple will pay a fine of €25 million in France to settle the matter. In addition to the financial penalty, Apple is required to publish a press release on its website for a month, informing users about the settlement and the reasons behind it. This measure is intended to ensure transparency and prevent similar issues in the future.
The fine and the requirement to publish a press release serve as a reminder to companies about the importance of transparency and clear communication with consumers. It also highlights the role of regulatory bodies in protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair business practices.
The battery throttling controversy has had a lasting impact on Apple’s approach to product updates and customer communication. The company has since introduced features that allow users to monitor their battery health and performance, giving them more control over their devices. Additionally, Apple has made efforts to be more transparent about the impact of software updates on device performance.
Source iMore
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
