The public prosecutor in Paris is investigating whether Apple violates laws by making it more difficult to repair iPhones. For example, Apple restricts the functionality of iPhones that have been supplied by repairers with spare parts from other companies.
The prosecutor began the investigation in December after a complaint from the Stop Planned Obsolesence Association, HOP. That complaint was according to HOP on associating iPhones with part serial numbers. Parts work less well or not at all if they have the wrong serial number, even if the parts themselves are fine.
For example, a new screen on an old iPhone if Apple has not linked it to the iPhone, not adjust the color temperature according to the environment. Facial recognition Face ID also only works if the components are linked to the PCB with software. The battery and sometimes cameras also give notifications in the Settings when it comes to third-party parts.
According to HOP, this practice goes against the right to repair and the pursuit of a circular economy. HOP had previously sued when Apple slowed down iPhones without telling users. When the French market authority imposed a fine of 25 million euros.
