iPhone 12.11, XS: Apple is accused of restricting performance

Apple is accused of restricting the performance of the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS and iPhone 8. With the iOS 14.5, 14.5.1 and 14.6 updates, the manufacturer has knowingly limited the power of its smartphones in order to push users to buy a new phone. Several consumer associations based in Europe are demanding that Apple compensate its customers.

A coalition of consumer defense associations, including Altroconsumo, Deco Proteste, Test-Achats and the Consumer Protection Organization, accuses Apple of planned obsolescence. Via updates iOS 14.5, 14.5.1 and 14.6, Apple would have restricted the speed of certain smartphones.

Among the affected models are the new iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone XS and iPhone 8/8 Plus. According to testimonials collected by Test-Achats, users have noticed a drop in velocity and a loss of autonomy.

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“It is clear that through these practices, Apple is pushing consumers to buy a new iPhone or a new battery” accuses Test-Achats, the Belgian defense association, in a statement on its website. If there is a restriction, we imagine rather that Apple is trying to preserve battery integrity of his iPhones.

In 2017, the Californian giant had indeed admitted that a software clamping limited the power of the iPhone in order to protect the battery. So that you do not run out of battery too often in the same day, iOS 10 deliberately restricts the performance of your iPhone. Faced with the outcry caused by the confession, Apple was forced to lower the price of battery replacement for one year. Since then, the company has been able to deactivate this restriction by going to the options.

“Not only is this irresponsible and ecologically unacceptable, it also causes financial harm to consumers” continues the association. The coalition claims that Apple offers compensation up to the prejudice.

In case of refusal, the case will be brought before the courts. “We are ready to enter into a dialogue with Apple to consider the best way to compensate consumers harmed by this practice. However, in the absence of a satisfactory answer, we could bring other legal actions in order to enforce the rights of consumers ” warns Julie Frère, spokesperson for Test-Achats. Thousands of consumers, including 5,000 Belgians, have already joined the collective action carried out by the associations.

Source: Test-Achats