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A senator wants more answers from Apple on iPhone slowdown controversy

A senator wants more answers from Apple on iPhone slowdown controversy

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In a letter sent this week to Apple, a US senator asked the company more questions about its controversial decision to quietly slow the performance of older phones.

The letter requests a response by January 23rd

Sen. John Thune (R-SD), chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, said in the letter that Apple has failed to act with enough transparency. Among other questions, the letter asks whether the company will issue updates in the future that slow device performance, and whether it tracked consumer complaints about performance issues.

After the discovery of the slowdown issues, which Apple said compensated for problems with degrading battery performance, the company offered a discount on battery replacements, and pledged to lower the price for the operation from $79 to $29. The letter, addressed to CEO Tim Cook, also asks how the company arrived at that number, and whether it has considered providing free replacements, or offering rebates for customers who have already paid full price.

The letter is only the latest government scrutiny directed at the company. France is reportedly exploring a criminal probe.

Thune has requested a response from Apple by January 23rd.