Domestic consumers filed a class action lawsuit regarding the allegation that Apple intentionally reduced the performance of older iPhones, but lost in the first trial.
The 31st Civil Settlement Division (Judge Kim Ji-sook) of the Seoul Central District Court ruled today (2nd) that the plaintiff lost the lawsuit against Apple Korea and others filed by 9,800 consumers for damages.
All litigation costs were borne by consumers.
The court did not give specific reasons for the ruling in court.
Consumers filed a lawsuit in March 2018, alleging that they "installed the update in question and suffered damage that reduced iPhone performance."
Consumers say, "Although Apple is well aware that the iPhone's performance deteriorates through the problematic iOS update, it distributes this to iPhone users while hiding this situation in order to cover up battery defects, prevent customer churn, and promote sales of follow-up models." claimed.
Suspicions were raised that Apple deliberately reduced the performance of older iPhones to increase sales, as consumers were expected to naturally buy new iPhones when iPhones slowed down.
As the controversy spread, Apple acknowledged the deterioration in performance, saying that it reduced power demand by reducing the speed because the smartphone could suddenly turn off when the battery performance dropped, but explained that it was not a measure to induce purchase of a new product.
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