Apple probed as French customers say iPhones are designed to die

By: Gaspard Sebag
Apple faces a French criminal probe into allegations from consumer groups that it’s deliberately shortening the life of iPhones.

The investigation, confirmed by Paris prosecutors on Tuesday, comes just weeks after the US technology giant apologised to customers for software changes it says unintentionally reduced the performance of older smartphones to prevent unexpected shutdowns.


The authorities opened a preliminary investigation on January 5 against Apple for “programmed obsolescence” and “deceit” after receiving a complaint, according to an official who asked not to be named in line with policy. AFP reported the probe on Monday.

Emile Meunier, a lawyer for HOP, the consumer and environmental protection association that lodged the complaint, said in an email he will share with investigators statements from clients that were “wronged”. He called upon Apple to compensate its customers for the damage and stop such practices.

Some accused Apple of intentionally slowing older iPhones to encourage consumers to replace them with newer, more expensive models. The retail price of the iPhone X, which went on sale in November, starts at $999.