Mild fine for sneaky phone trick
APPLE has been fined the equivalent of $20 for a sneaky software trick we all suspected it was doing right up to the moment it finally admitted it.
For years consumers greeted each new iPhone and its accompanying iOS software with wry derision that the iPhones they already owned would soon become unusable.
Many speculated Apple was throttling the performance of older iPhones so those customers would be forced to buy new ones.
In December 2017, Apple admitted that it was doing that but denied boosting sales was the reason.
Instead, the company said it slowed older devices to preserve battery life, which deteriorates as they age.
Samsung was also found to be doing this. Each was fined $8.2 million in Italy at the end of 2018.
Apple was fined a further $8 million for not providing adequate information about how customers could prolong or replace their battery.
Apple lowered the cost of battery replacements and has provided information on how to protect your battery life on its website.
Apple still throttles performance on older devices “to protect battery life” but will now tell you about it.
But France’s Directorate General of Competition, Consumption and Repression of Fraud has found the lack of transparency displayed by Apple in the past breached its guidelines.
Apple was fined $41 million — about 0.002 per cent of the company’s worth. If you got a similar fine it would cost you about $20.
Jack Gramenz
SUPERMARKET giant Woolworths is offering $250 off the Samsung Galaxy S20 range.
The deal will run until March 5 and covers the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra 5G handsets for existing and new customers who sign up to a Woolworths mobile phone plan.
Customers will also have the opportunity to save 10 per cent off their grocery shop once a month for the duration of their mobile phone plan, Woolworths says.
A pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds+ valued at $299 will be available via redemption to anyone pre-ordering the S20+ and S20 Ultra 5G handsets.
Samsung Australia’s Garry McGregor says the Galaxy S20
HOT DEAL: Woolworths is offering one of the best deals on the new S20. marks a new decade of mobile technology.
“The Galaxy S20 is designed to enhance almost everything we love to do with our phones. From capturing and sharing precious moments, disappearing into our favourite music and movies to the thrill of a unique mobile gaming experience,” he said.
Woolworths head of mobile James McMurrough said: “Customers will have the opportunity to pre-order Samsung’s brand new line of handsets through our flexible and affordable mobile phone plans while also receiving $250 off their plan and the chance to save up to $600 a year on groceries through the additional monthly grocery discount offer.”
The base Samsung Galaxy S20 is available from $56.05 a month on a 36-month handset payment plan.
For more information, visit woolworths.com.au/mobile.
Mark Furler