Apple accused of defrauding iphone users by 'slowing devices'

Rory Van Loo, a Boston University professor, specialising in consumer technology law, said: “If it turns out that consumers would have replaced their battery instead of buying new iPhones

had they known the true nature of Apple’s upgrades, you might start to have a better case for some sort of misrepresentation or fraud." Chris Hoofnagle, faculty director for the

Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, said Apple might not have done wrong. He said “we still haven’t come to consumer protection norms” around ageing products. Pointing to a device with

a security flaw as an example, he adds: “The ethical approach could include degrading or even disabling functionality.” The lawsuits seek unspecified damages in addition to, in some cases,

reimbursement. A couple of the complaints seek court orders barring Apple from throttling iPhone computer speeds or requiring notification in future instances. Nick Braund, Head of

Technology & Innovation at PHA Media told Express.co.uk that although it'll come as absolutely no surprise to any Apple user that the most successful company in the world slows down

its devices as they get towards the end of their lives, it actually makes complete sense. Mr Braund says: "With technological advancements, more and more is asked of our devices and

it's true that the chip or hardware isn't able to work as it once did when was new. Adding: Also, with continuous, everyday use, the product will deteriorate so by restricting the

battery, it is preserving the life left, although at that time it does make sense to look at an upgrade or risk becoming frustrated." Branding expert Flavilla Fongang, founder of

3coloursrule.co.uk said Apple will withstand the lawsuits. Ms Fongang told Express.co.uk: “Apple has established a strong brand relationship. Even if consumers are disappointed by this, they

will still remain loyal to the brand as in their eyes there isn't a better product. “You could compare this to a relationship of a loyal wife to unfaithful husband. A woman who is in

love with a man, and in whom she sees not better life without him, will forgive his affair. “Apple is a strong brand and they define the status of users. The majority of consumers will still

buy Apple products - it is what we call blind love." It comes as Apple shares fell on Tuesday after a report from Taiwan's Economic Daily saying that iPhone X demand could come in

below expectations in the first quarter. Apple's (AAPL) stock slid by 4 per cent last week after multiple industry analysts predicted weak demand for the new flagship iPhone in key

territories. Express.co.uk has contacted Apple for comment on the lawsuits.