Apple is running out of steam in the United States for slowing down older iPhone models with worn-out batteries, and now the company is investigating the same practice in France.
The audit was launched after a formal complaint from an organization called HOP (Halte a l'Obsolescence Programmee / Stop Planned Obsolescence) which criticized Apple for reducing the performance of older iPhone models.
The investigation involves antitrust and consumer protection experts at France's economy ministry, France24 reported, while Apple can be fined up to 5% of its annual sales under laws passed in 2015.
Regulations require device manufacturers to notify buyers when replacement parts are needed, in order to avoid forced upgrades that cost much more and contribute to a growing amount of non-recyclable waste. An update that Apple has already announced and is expected in early 2018 will include a notification to users when batteries need to be replaced.
This is precisely what Apple has been accused of several times in the United States, as a significant number of customers bought new iPhones after older models slowed down significantly after software updates.
Apple, however, says it had other plans, as its intention was to prevent unexpected outages caused by degraded batteries, in turn allowing customers to continue using their iPhones longer.
“We’ve always wanted our customers to be able to use their iPhones for as long as possible. We’re proud that Apple products are known for their durability and for holding their value longer than our competitors’ devices,” the company said in a statement last month.
Apple has launched a discount program for iPhone battery replacements, offering a price cut from $79 to $29 through the end of the year for any device with a worn-out battery that needs a new unit. However, Apple is currently also being criticized for not having enough batteries in stock for customers who want replacements, with the program moving at a rather slow pace due to limited inventory.
