Apple’s decision to deliberately slow down older phones in 2017 could compensate millions of iPhone users as the company faces a massive legal claim!
A software update released in January 2017 decreased the processing performance of Apple’s older models to stop them from shutting down. However, this new setting came without a disable option and Apple users did not have the option to stop their phones from throttling.
One of the consumer rights campaigners, Justin Gutmann, took it upon himself to file the legal claim against Apple. If Justin wins the case, Apple might have to pay £750 million to the 25 million Apple users who bought one of the affected iPhone models.
The primary reason that fuels the legal action is that the users weren’t notified of the throttling at the time. Apple tried to justify by claiming that old iPhone batteries couldn’t sustain the new software updates, so they limited the processor. Rather than admitting that the new iOS is unsuitable for the older models. Instead, Apple encouraged the users to update their phones by promising better functionality.
Gutmann added to his statement that Apple misled their customers and secretly slowed down the old phones so that people forcibly buy their newer ones. Apple needs to answer for their dishonesty so that the iPhone users who were wronged across the UK can be compensated fairly.
He added that he hopes to win the case and remind all the mega-tech corporations to not mislead their consumers and stay honest with them.
However, it seems that Apple intends to fight this legal case head-on, as they replied that they never have or will do anything that goes against the interest of their consumers. Apple added that they would never intentionally decrease the life-span and functionality of their products for any reason whatsoever. The company claims that their aim has always been to manufacture quality products that their customers love to use.
Fortunately, iPhone users now have the option to see if the throttling is in effect through the setting menu. The legal claim still has a long way to go before it reaches the courtroom of the United Kingdom.
