gadget-bridge
HomeNewsApple, Samsung get fined by Italy for "planned obsolescence" of smartphones

Apple, Samsung get fined by Italy for “planned obsolescence” of smartphones

- Advertisement -

Technology giants Apple and Samsung have been fined by Italy’s competition authority for “planned obsolescence” of their smartphones. While Apple has to pay EUR 10 million or $11.5 million as fine, Samsung has been fined with EUR 5 million $5.7 million.

According to a report in Reuters, the ruling is believed to be the first against smartphone manufacturers for encouraging OS updates for older phone models, which ultimately just slows them down. Most consumers end up purchasing a new smartphone after older one they are using becomes slow, courtesy updates sent by the company.

- Advertisement -

The anti-trust authority said after the investigation that both Apple and Samsung “implemented dishonest commercial practices”. It further said that the operating system updates sent by the companies “caused serious malfunctions and significantly reduced performance, thus accelerating phones’ substitution.”

After the launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the South Korean technology giant told the owners of Galaxy Note 4 to install that Android version that was meant for Note 7. On installing the update, most users’ smartphones became really slow.

- Advertisement -

Similarly, iPhone 6 users were told by Apple to install the operating system update that was actually meant for iPhone 7. And when they did, they started facing problems with their device.

The Cupertino based technology company also did not inform its users about the “essential” characteristics of iPhone’s lithium batteries. The users were not aware of the batteries’ average life and how they prolong that. This led to a bigger fine for Apple than the one that Samsung got.

- Advertisement -

The investigation by Italy’s anti-trust authority started in January after customers complained of facing issues. It is worth noticing that at the same time, a similar probe was going on in France.

Apple admitted last year that it intentionally slowed down older iPhone models over time. This led to a number of customers feeling short-changed and concerns about the company unfairly encouraging customers to buy newer models came up.

However, at that time, Apple denied shortening the life of any product. It just admitted to slow them down in order to extend the performance. The company claimed that the smartphones use lesser power when they are running at a slower speed and this, eliminated the possibility of any unexpected shutdowns.

The company also faces a class-action suit in the United States.

For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebookInstagram and YouTube.

- Advertisement -

Support Us

We are a humble media site trying to survive! As you know we are not placing any article, even the feature stories behind any paywall or subscription model. Help us stay afloat, support with whatever you can!

Support us
- Advertisement -
Avani Bagga
Avani Baggahttp://www.gadgetbridge.com
Avani has an immense love for reading, travelling and food, but not necessarily in the same order. Avani almost started pursuing law, but life had other (better) plans for her and she chose to be a writer instead (luckily!) She previously covered technology at Times Internet and wrote about smartphones, mobile apps and tech startups. When she’s not writing, you’ll be able to find her in book stores or catching up on her social life.
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Must Read

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini launched in India

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini launched in India

0
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini has been launched in India today. The company last month released Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus and the Ambeo Sub which...
- Advertisement -

You cannot copy content of this page