Apple to face French criminal probe for shortening life of old iPhone models
Paris — 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 Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP), the consumer and environmental protection association that lodged the complaint, said in an e-mail he will share statements from clients that were "wronged" with investigators. He called on Apple to compensate its customers for the damage and stop such practices. Apple represent...
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