Apple is reportedly under investigation by the Justice Department over slowing down older-model iPhones

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published 30 January 2018

The Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are apparently opening an investigation into Apple following the company's acknowledgment in December that it slowed down older-model iPhones, Bloomberg Technology reports. Although the probe is still in its earliest stages, and enforcement may not ultimately be pursued, the agencies are reportedly exploring whether Apple violated security laws.

Apple initially revealed it had issued a software update that prevented iPhones with aging lithium batteries from shutting down without warning, an update that can make apps open much slower. Apple later denied ever doing anything to purposely shorten the life of its products. The company is facing at least eight lawsuits in the U.S., with customers alleging Apple defrauded consumers by slowing their iPhones down without warning.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.