The two tech giants that are Apple and Samsung have found themselves in a sticky situation after Italy’s competition authority has fined them €10m and €5m respectively for the “planned obsolescence” of their smartphones. Specifically, An investigation launched in January found that various software updates for the phones had a significantly negative effect on the device’s performance and that this was to encourage users to purchase a newer model.Consequently, both companies received the maximum fine of €5m each as well as orders to display a notice on the Italian versions of their websites to educate potential customers of the recent fine they had received and why. As for why Apple’s fine was then increased to 10m, it was due to the firm failing to give customers clear information about “essential” characteristics of their device’s lithium batteries, such as their life expectancy, maintenance requirements or even how to replace them, something that Samsung did actually manage to get right.
However, for those who think the companies will shrug the fine off, you are probably right, although an investigation in France that is yet to conclude could see both firms fined 5% of their annual turnover as it is illegal in French law to intentionally shorten the life of any product in order to promote sales. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens from here.
