Tech

Apple Fined $27 Million For Slowing Down Old iPhones

France's competition and fairness watchdog found Apple failed to notify users that certain updates could slow down their phones.

Apple Fined $27 Million For Slowing Down Old iPhones
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Apple was fined more than $27 million by French authorities for intentionally slowing down older iPhones.

France's consumer watchdog said in a statement on Friday that Apple failed to notify iPhone owners that certain updates could slow down their devices. Apple agreed to pay the fine and will also have to display a press release on its French website for a month.

The issue first began in 2017 when some iPhone users experienced performance issues following two iOS updates. Apple later said it had slowed down older phones to prevent unexpected shutdowns due to degrading batteries. The company also offered discounted battery replacements throughout 2018 as way to make it up to customers. 

Apple told CNET it's glad to have settled the issue, adding, "Our goal has always been to create secure products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that."