Apple's $500 Million Settlement

[notaterran]

I know, not exactly breaking news. I understand that for Apple this is pocket change but still, they can't be too happy about it:

Apple Inc has agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle litigation accusing it of quietly slowing down older iPhones as it launched new models, to induce owners to buy replacement phones or batteries.

Link.

I found this part interesting:

Apple denied wrongdoing and settled the nationwide case to avoid the burdens and costs of litigation, court papers show.

I don't believe that for a second, chances are they settled because a protracted legal battle would only attract more attention to the issue in the long run, with the potential for financial losses (a corporation's main concern). I'm reminded of another settlement that probably had the same underlying motive.

[Masterbagger]

I have an ipad from 2011. Before I had that I used a kindle and those things are flimsy. One fat guy sitting on it and game over. Try to imagine the frustration that your expensive device was destroyed by someones ass.

[felter]

I'll take your $500 million and give you France and the rest of Europe.

[Chips]

The lawyers plan to seek up to $93 million, equal to 30% of $310 million, in legal fees, plus up to $1.5 million for expenses.

[notaterran]

So, Apple reduced performance of older iPhones to "motivate" people to buy new ones, they exploited economic conditions and received illegal/unfair tax benefits. Sounds like Apple is keeping up with the times just fine, I wonder how far we are from another Gilded Age.