Apple and Samsung fined for decreasing phones with updates

Apple and Samsung were fined Wednesday for software application updates that Italy’s antitrust guard dog stated decreased users’ phones.

The Italian Competition Authority, or AGCM, fined Apple and Samsung 5 million euros (about $5.7 million) each for launching software application updates that “significantly reduced” the efficiency of phones, the AGCM stated in a declaration.

Both business prompted individuals to set up updates that weren’t “adequately supported by their devices,” the AGCM stated, including that Apple and Samsung stopped working to supply clients with an “effective way to recover the full functionality of their devices.” This pressed customers to purchase brand-new gadgets, according to the AGCM.

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Apple was fined an additional 5 million euros for allegedly failing to provide adequate information on how to maintain and replace phone batteries.

Last December, Apple acknowledged that its iOS software slows down the performance of older iPhones. The company says iOS does this to counteract problems in aging lithium-ion batteries. After facing criticism over its battery policies, Apple apologized formally and offered battery replacements for $29, a program set to end Dec. 31.

Apple has denied that phones were slowed in order to get customers to buy new models. The company didn’t respond to a request for comment. 

Samsung denied it slowed down phones and said it will appeal the decision.

“We are disappointed with the Italian Competition Authority … decision,” a Samsung spokesperson said in an email statement. “Samsung did not issue any software update that reduced the Galaxy Note 4’s performance. In contrast, Samsung has always released software updates enabling our customers to have the best experience possible.”

Both smartphone makers were also ordered to publish a declaration on the Italian page of their websites informing consumers about the AGCM’s decision.

First published Oct. 24, 10:03 a.m. PT.
Update, Oct. 24 at 10:47 a.m. PT: Adds Samsung’s statement. 
Update, Oct. 25 at 7:04 a.m. PT: Adds background about Apple’s battery replacements and information from the AGCM.