Andrew Orr
France is investigating Apple over allegations that it deliberately limits the repair options for its smartphones, potentially rendering them obsolete.
When using Apple's self-service repair program, customers are required to provide the serial number of their device when ordering parts for products such as iPhones and Macs. Moreover, any parts obtained through this program must be matched with the specific intended device, ensuring proper installation and compatibility.
However, France's Halte l'Obsolescence Programme (HOP) association complains that Apple's policy of using serialized parts lets it restrict repairs to authorized repair providers and limits devices that don't use certified parts. HOP calls on Apple to "to guarantee the right to repair devices under the logic of real circular economy."
As a result, France has opened an investigation into Apple over "planned obsolescence" to determine if it intentionally plans for iPhones to become out of date due to these repair restrictions, according to AFP.
HOP lodged a complaint against Apple in 2017 for intentionally reducing the maximum performance of certain older iPhone models with deteriorating batteries, a measure aimed at preventing unexpected shutdowns.
After Apple acknowledged that it deliberately slowed down older iPhones, the company faced numerous legal challenges. However, Apple said it was crucial for preventing sudden shutdowns that may harm the iPhone's electronics.
Critics and plaintiffs argued that Apple's policy, whether intentional or not, pushes users toward purchasing new iPhones. Older models often encounter difficulties with the latest applications and iOS updates.
In 2020, Apple reached a settlement to pay $27.4 million for not informing iPhone users that software updates could potentially decrease the performance of older devices.
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Wesley Hilliard
AppleInsider Staff
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
21 Comments
Maybe Apple just decides to stop having stores in France. Seriously. France really seems to just want to shake the company down.
If they have an issue with Apple then they have a bigger one with Tesla. Tesla is continually changing the parts that go into its cars. While they won't sell you spares, they can hide it.
As far as phones go, making sure that the part is correct is to my mind more important than anything else. There is nothing worse than ordering a part for you to find out that it is wrong when you get it.
While not so prevalent in the phone world (AFAIK), in the automotive world, tracking which cars are affected by the change from one model year to another is important. Getting the wrong part could result in deaths.
Curious to know the percentage of people who own and use any branded phone over 5 years old. The only reason why I'm so negative to this story is that I feel Europe would love to bring down success. I'm sorry, but if you don't like a brand, then buy the other brand. It's a simple as that - I haven't purchased a ford car since 2002 because they didn't last long, so I moved to Hyundai. Why doesn't France just say "don't like apple, buy Samsung" or visa versa. Back before apple, all phones were junk and didn't make it past a couple of years.
I wonder if they’re this strict with android phones. Probably not.