The Paris Prosecutor’s Office on Monday announced an investigation into Apple over allegations the company deliberately renders its devices obsolete in order to coerce users into purchasing newer models.
The prosecutor’s office said in a statement that an investigation was launched in December 2022 in response to a complaint filed by the advocacy group known as Halte a L’Obsolescence Programme (HOP), citing concerns over deceptive marketing practices and programmed obsolescence.
At the core of HOP’s complaint lies the practice of “serialization,” which involves linking spare parts such as microchips or speakers to specific generations of iPhones through serial numbers. This system effectively hampers third-party repair services from using generic components. As Apple gradually phases out older iPhone models, the corresponding spare parts also become unavailable, thereby pressuring customers to purchase newer devices….