Apple’s controversy first starting at the end of 2017, when its users spotted that the newest iOS version was throttling the performance of the older generation of iPhones, and now a French regulator has hit Apple with a €25 million fine. The General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control said that Apple has agreed to pay the fine and will display a press release on its website for one month.
After Apple was accused of slowing iPhones, Apple admitted that it started with iOS 10.2.1 and was there to prevent unexpected shutdowns because old batteries degrade over time. The customers were not told and didn’t realize that they could replace their battery and didn’t have to buy a new device. There was no option to roll back their iPhones to previous iOS versions.
French authorities concluded that Apple was guilty of misleading commercial practice by omission. Despite accusations that the update was meant to increase sales of new devices, Apple says that it is designed to prevent the old device from unexpectedly shutting down so the device can be used. The option to turn this feature off is there in iOS 11.3
