In a recent development, Apple has initiated the process of compensating select iPhone users affected by the deliberate performance slowdown of their devices.
The contentious issue, dating back five years, sparked accusations from users alleging that their iPhone 6, iPhone 7, and iPhone SE models were intentionally being slowed down by the tech giant.
After years of debate and legal battles, Apple agreed to settle the matter by paying a substantial amount of up to $500 million in 2020, as reported by Reuters.
The controversy surrounding Apple's deliberate iPhone slowdowns began in 2016 when the company admitted to purposefully reducing the performance of older iPhones.
However, Apple clarified that the purpose behind this action was to prevent sudden shutdowns of the devices, rather than a deliberate intention to harm or inconvenience the users. This explanation was acknowledged by some but left others dissatisfied.
Unsatisfied iPhone owners joined forces, leading to the formation of a class-action lawsuit against Apple in 2018.
This legal action was primarily brought on behalf of users with affected devices such as iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. The disagreement between Apple and the plaintiffs persisted until 2020 when the tech giant took a step towards resolution.
According to reports from Silicon Valley, Apple's compensation program is estimated to award each affected iPhone user approximately $65, equivalent to around ₹5,500 in Indian currency.
However, it is essential to note that the registration period for compensation closed on October 6, 2020. Users were required to register their devices' serial numbers on a designated website specifically created by Apple to address the grievances of users who experienced performance issues.
The initiation of compensation signifies Apple's commitment to resolving the contentious issue surrounding deliberate iPhone slowdowns. It also highlights the importance of user feedback and legal advocacy in holding tech companies accountable for their actions.
While the compensation program strives to address the concerns of affected users, it is worth noting that not all iPhone users with eligible models were able to avail themselves of this opportunity due to missed registration deadlines.
Moving forward, Apple's response to this controversy and its compensation efforts serve as a reminder for companies to prioritise transparency, user trust, and customer satisfaction.
With growing awareness and demand for accountability in the tech industry, users continue to play a crucial role in shaping the practices and policies of major tech companies like Apple.