Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

YouTube age verification

2025-08-16T17:29:56Z

Icandostuff: /* YouTube's Government ID Requirement */ Thinly veiled opinion, not relevant sources

{{ToneWarning}}
{{Incomplete}}
{{IncidentCargo
|StartDate=2025-07-30
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=YouTube
|Product=Youtube
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Digital restrictions
|Description=YouTube is requiring Users to give their government id to verify that they are adults, otherwise Users will be locked out of content.
}}
==Background==
[[YouTube]] is a social media site created on February 14th, 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube turns 20! The numbers behind the platform |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/ztq2g2p |url-status=live |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=BBC Bitesize}}</ref> It allows users to upload and view videos from their electronic devices. As the platform has grown in popularity, some content creators have begun to make significant amounts of revenue from their videos, with some creators able to use their earnings as a primary source of income.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molenaar |first=Koba |title=15 of the Most Popular Content Creators on YouTube to Check Out |url=https://influencermarketinghub.com/content-creators-youtube/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Influencer Marketing Hub}}</ref>

==YouTube's Government ID Requirement==
On July 30th, 2025, in response to the UK's Online Safety Act,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Safety Act: explainer |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer |url-status=live |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref> YouTube announced that it will be testing a new feature on its platform which scans each user's channel history (including viewed videos) with AI, to which in case of determination that the user is underage (regardless of birthdate in Google account), a government issued ID or video verification will be required to verify that the user is at least 18 years old.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingram |first=Michael |date=30 Jul 2025 |title=YouTube is Rolling Out A New Controversial Feature |url=https://gamerant.com/youtube-new-age-verification-feature-id-recognition/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=GameRant}}</ref> If the user refuses, their account will be unable to access age restricted, "potentially mature content" (which has been shown to include several videos critical of Google and YouTube{{Citation needed}}, whether by coincidence or not) and content deemed as problematic for repetitive consumption, on top of losing access to many creator features and abilities, if they were activated prior.

YouTube has [https://x.com/TeamYouTube/status/1950958354349633946 responded] stating that "This won’t be required for all users. We’ve always had the option for age verification via ID or credit card if someone is incorrectly estimated to be under 18." This most likely refers to their eligibility system for advanced creator features, of which ID and/or video verification is a method of gaining access.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learn about feature access for YouTube Creators |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9890437?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref>

==Consumer response==
Some users have signed a [https://www.change.org/p/youtube-s-ai-tracks-everything-you-watch-stop-this-now Change.org petition] and have contacted YouTube to revoke this new requirement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Belanger |first=Ashley |date=12 Aug 2025 |title=YouTube backlash begins: “Why is AI combing through every single video I watch?” |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/08/50k-youtubers-rage-against-ai-spying-that-could-expose-identities/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> The petition has not received a response from YouTube as of the time of writing.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:YouTube]]

Talk:Flat Earth Clock App

2025-08-16T14:50:17Z

Icandostuff: Questions

==Concerns about article tone==
I'm not a flat-earther, but i wanted to read this article anyway, and i am very disappointed in the amount of bias within the first few paragraphs.

Why is "flat earthers" in quotation marks?

The entire second paragraph:

"The app serves a "clock" that tries (and fails) to show how day/night does progress on a Flat earth, and serves as a platform for content to reinforce science denial regarding everything we learned about our universe."

Is clearly incredibly biased, and not outlining any consumer rights whatsoever.

The third paragraph is also just criticism of the creator, as well as people who believe in the flat earth.

And whilst the last paragraph is the least biased, the "(no trial)", i would deem as unnecessary, and put there solely to find something else to hate about the app. Lastly, I don't think "despite being reported multiple times by several individuals, including myself of major breaches of security, privacy, wrong statements about collected data and breaches of EU and US regulations." should just be left there without any sources. Who is "myself"?

[[User:Mindlux |Mindlux]] [[User_talk:Mindlux|(talk)]] 07:04, 22 February 2025 (UTC)

:I do agree the about the tone and lack of cited claims @[[User:Mindlux|Mindlux]]. This is the reason this article was marked and as a stub. I also see that someone did correctly mark it with a tone warning as well.
:I do think the concerns in the consumer impact section are valid though (if properly backed up with sources) so the idea is that the notices notify users to address these issues and bring this article to a better standard. [[User:Kostas|Kostas]] ([[User talk:Kostas|talk]]) 15:02, 24 February 2025 (UTC)

==Security Breach Confusion==
This line underneath incidents confuses me: "A comprehensive (but incomplete to protect actual members) list of past security breaches was compiled years ago" <br>
* What is a comprehensive (but incomplete) list?
* This should be sourced, especially the comprehensive claim
* Who compiled this list? The focus n protection makes it seem like it was created by Flat Earth Clock, but then why would it be under incidents?
[[User:Icandostuff|Icandostuff]] ([[User talk:Icandostuff|talk]]) 14:50, 16 August 2025 (UTC)

Talk:4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-16T14:43:12Z

Icandostuff: Wrote section

==Page Title?==
Perhaps the page should be retitled 4k Video Downloader, as an umbrella term referring to both programs. The article discusses 4k Video Downloader+ primarily, but is about earlier license keys for 4k Video Downloader. *Also*, what should we do about the repetition present regarding the keys? It is mentioned in the first section and later sections, which makes it sound kinda silly. [[User:Icandostuff|Icandostuff]] ([[User talk:Icandostuff|talk]]) 14:42, 16 August 2025 (UTC)

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-16T14:40:04Z

Icandostuff: /* Consumer impact summary */ grammar

{{Stub}}


<div class="infobox">
<div class="infobox-title">{{PAGENAME}}</div>
<div class="infobox-image">[[File:Videodownloaderplus.svg|200px]] </div> <table class="infobox-table"><tr><th>Release Year</th><td>2018</td></tr><tr><th>Product Type</th><td>Software</td></tr><tr><th>In Production</th><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><th>Company Name</th><td>Interpromo GMBH</td></tr><tr><th>Prior Company Name</th><td>Open Media OOO</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>Official Website</th>
<td>[https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader-42 4KDownload.com]</td>
</tr></table>
</div>

'''4k Video Downloader+''' is a program created by [https://interpromo.co/ InterPromo GMBH] used to download videos from YouTube and other video sources.
==Consumer impact summary==
Consumers who purchased a lifetime license for "4K Video Downloader" will no longer receive additional software updates<ref name="4KVD">[[:File:4K VD no new features.png|4KVideoDownloader FAQ: No New Features]]</ref> as the application is being phased out in favor of the newer "4K Video Downloader+".

==Company rebranding==
The earlier version "4K Video Downloader" is branded in the "About" menu as "Copyright 2025 Open Media OOO." The latest version "4K Video Downloader+" is branded as "Copyright 2025 InterPromo GMBH". It's not clear at this time if an acquisition was a precursor for the re-release of the program.

==Code review and versioning==
A cursory review of the libraries and files<ref name="4KDL">[[:File:4K DL vs 4K DL Plus Ophaned (New) Files.png|4K DL Update Comparison]]</ref> from both applications shows that "4K Video Downloader+" has only six new files not existing in the prior version. See screenshot. Also,about 27 files were eliminated/not included in the new version.

Despite having been released relatively recently, the "4K Video Downloader+" .exe file shows it is version "25.0.0.182", which may suggest it is a continuation of the prior version.
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Discontinuation of lifetime license (''2023'')===
The developer has sold Lifetime Licenses for 4k Video Downloader since 2012<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|title=4k Video Downloader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723220906/http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|archive-date=2012-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>, but has discontinued it to sell 4k Video Downloader+, starting July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid for 4k Video Downloader+ because they are "two different programs".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|title=4K Video Downloader Plus FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers|date=2023-07-26|author=Klara|access-date=2025-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124025437/https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|archive-date=2025-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version==
According to the company's FAQ<ref name=":0" />, the reason for the new version is "the outdated technology stack" is impossible to fix.

While the company (InterPromo GMBH, the current company name used on the footer of the website) claims that updating the original 4K Video Downloader was "impossible" due to an outdated technology stack, this explanation lacks technical detail and may oversimplify the issue. In software development, very few features are truly impossible to implement—more often, they are deprioritized due to cost, complexity, or strategic business decisions. Without transparency about the specific limitations, it's reasonable to question whether the shift to a new app was driven more by monetization goals than technical necessity.

Additionally, a stack update (libraries, frameworks, etc.) would typically include minor UI/UX changes because of the underlying changes. Based on the visual appearance and menu behaviors of both applications, it's not clear a large-scale rewrite was performed as the applications are visually identical.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Products]]

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-16T14:38:59Z

Icandostuff: /* Incidents */ Cleanup and better match with source

{{Stub}}


<div class="infobox">
<div class="infobox-title">{{PAGENAME}}</div>
<div class="infobox-image">[[File:Videodownloaderplus.svg|200px]] </div> <table class="infobox-table"><tr><th>Release Year</th><td>2018</td></tr><tr><th>Product Type</th><td>Software</td></tr><tr><th>In Production</th><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><th>Company Name</th><td>Interpromo GMBH</td></tr><tr><th>Prior Company Name</th><td>Open Media OOO</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>Official Website</th>
<td>[https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader-42 4KDownload.com]</td>
</tr></table>
</div>

'''4k Video Downloader+''' is a program created by [https://interpromo.co/ InterPromo GMBH] used to download videos from YouTube and other video sources.
==Consumer impact summary==
Consumers who purchased a lifetime license of "4K Video Downloader" will no longer receive additional software updates<ref name="4KVD">[[:File:4K VD no new features.png|4KVideoDownloader FAQ: No New Features]]</ref> as the application is being phased out in favor of the newer "4K Video Downloader+".

==Company rebranding==
The earlier version "4K Video Downloader" is branded in the "About" menu as "Copyright 2025 Open Media OOO." The latest version "4K Video Downloader+" is branded as "Copyright 2025 InterPromo GMBH". It's not clear at this time if an acquisition was a precursor for the re-release of the program.

==Code review and versioning==
A cursory review of the libraries and files<ref name="4KDL">[[:File:4K DL vs 4K DL Plus Ophaned (New) Files.png|4K DL Update Comparison]]</ref> from both applications shows that "4K Video Downloader+" has only six new files not existing in the prior version. See screenshot. Also,about 27 files were eliminated/not included in the new version.

Despite having been released relatively recently, the "4K Video Downloader+" .exe file shows it is version "25.0.0.182", which may suggest it is a continuation of the prior version.
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Discontinuation of lifetime license (''2023'')===
The developer has sold Lifetime Licenses for 4k Video Downloader since 2012<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|title=4k Video Downloader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723220906/http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|archive-date=2012-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>, but has discontinued it to sell 4k Video Downloader+, starting July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid for 4k Video Downloader+ because they are "two different programs".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|title=4K Video Downloader Plus FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers|date=2023-07-26|author=Klara|access-date=2025-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124025437/https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|archive-date=2025-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version==
According to the company's FAQ<ref name=":0" />, the reason for the new version is "the outdated technology stack" is impossible to fix.

While the company (InterPromo GMBH, the current company name used on the footer of the website) claims that updating the original 4K Video Downloader was "impossible" due to an outdated technology stack, this explanation lacks technical detail and may oversimplify the issue. In software development, very few features are truly impossible to implement—more often, they are deprioritized due to cost, complexity, or strategic business decisions. Without transparency about the specific limitations, it's reasonable to question whether the shift to a new app was driven more by monetization goals than technical necessity.

Additionally, a stack update (libraries, frameworks, etc.) would typically include minor UI/UX changes because of the underlying changes. Based on the visual appearance and menu behaviors of both applications, it's not clear a large-scale rewrite was performed as the applications are visually identical.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Products]]

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-16T14:35:32Z

Icandostuff: /* Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version */ Explicit conjuction

{{Stub}}


<div class="infobox">
<div class="infobox-title">{{PAGENAME}}</div>
<div class="infobox-image">[[File:Videodownloaderplus.svg|200px]] </div> <table class="infobox-table"><tr><th>Release Year</th><td>2018</td></tr><tr><th>Product Type</th><td>Software</td></tr><tr><th>In Production</th><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><th>Company Name</th><td>Interpromo GMBH</td></tr><tr><th>Prior Company Name</th><td>Open Media OOO</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>Official Website</th>
<td>[https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader-42 4KDownload.com]</td>
</tr></table>
</div>

'''4k Video Downloader+''' is a program created by [https://interpromo.co/ InterPromo GMBH] used to download videos from YouTube and other video sources.
==Consumer impact summary==
Consumers who purchased a lifetime license of "4K Video Downloader" will no longer receive additional software updates<ref name="4KVD">[[:File:4K VD no new features.png|4KVideoDownloader FAQ: No New Features]]</ref> as the application is being phased out in favor of the newer "4K Video Downloader+".

==Company rebranding==
The earlier version "4K Video Downloader" is branded in the "About" menu as "Copyright 2025 Open Media OOO." The latest version "4K Video Downloader+" is branded as "Copyright 2025 InterPromo GMBH". It's not clear at this time if an acquisition was a precursor for the re-release of the program.

==Code review and versioning==
A cursory review of the libraries and files<ref name="4KDL">[[:File:4K DL vs 4K DL Plus Ophaned (New) Files.png|4K DL Update Comparison]]</ref> from both applications shows that "4K Video Downloader+" has only six new files not existing in the prior version. See screenshot. Also,about 27 files were eliminated/not included in the new version.

Despite having been released relatively recently, the "4K Video Downloader+" .exe file shows it is version "25.0.0.182", which may suggest it is a continuation of the prior version.
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Discontinuation of lifetime license (''2023'')===
The developer sells Lifetime License of 4k Video Downloader since 2012<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|title=4k Video Downloader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723220906/http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|archive-date=2012-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>, but discontinues it to sell 4k Video Downloader+ since July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid because it's a "different program".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|title=4K Video Downloader Plus FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers|date=2023-07-26|author=Klara|access-date=2025-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124025437/https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|archive-date=2025-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version==
According to the company's FAQ<ref name=":0" />, the reason for the new version is "the outdated technology stack" is impossible to fix.

While the company (InterPromo GMBH, the current company name used on the footer of the website) claims that updating the original 4K Video Downloader was "impossible" due to an outdated technology stack, this explanation lacks technical detail and may oversimplify the issue. In software development, very few features are truly impossible to implement—more often, they are deprioritized due to cost, complexity, or strategic business decisions. Without transparency about the specific limitations, it's reasonable to question whether the shift to a new app was driven more by monetization goals than technical necessity.

Additionally, a stack update (libraries, frameworks, etc.) would typically include minor UI/UX changes because of the underlying changes. Based on the visual appearance and menu behaviors of both applications, it's not clear a large-scale rewrite was performed as the applications are visually identical.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Products]]

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-16T14:34:19Z

Icandostuff: /* Discontinuation of lifetime license (2023) */ Would be linking to same page

{{Stub}}


<div class="infobox">
<div class="infobox-title">{{PAGENAME}}</div>
<div class="infobox-image">[[File:Videodownloaderplus.svg|200px]] </div> <table class="infobox-table"><tr><th>Release Year</th><td>2018</td></tr><tr><th>Product Type</th><td>Software</td></tr><tr><th>In Production</th><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><th>Company Name</th><td>Interpromo GMBH</td></tr><tr><th>Prior Company Name</th><td>Open Media OOO</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>Official Website</th>
<td>[https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader-42 4KDownload.com]</td>
</tr></table>
</div>

'''4k Video Downloader+''' is a program created by [https://interpromo.co/ InterPromo GMBH] used to download videos from YouTube and other video sources.
==Consumer impact summary==
Consumers who purchased a lifetime license of "4K Video Downloader" will no longer receive additional software updates<ref name="4KVD">[[:File:4K VD no new features.png|4KVideoDownloader FAQ: No New Features]]</ref> as the application is being phased out in favor of the newer "4K Video Downloader+".

==Company rebranding==
The earlier version "4K Video Downloader" is branded in the "About" menu as "Copyright 2025 Open Media OOO." The latest version "4K Video Downloader+" is branded as "Copyright 2025 InterPromo GMBH". It's not clear at this time if an acquisition was a precursor for the re-release of the program.

==Code review and versioning==
A cursory review of the libraries and files<ref name="4KDL">[[:File:4K DL vs 4K DL Plus Ophaned (New) Files.png|4K DL Update Comparison]]</ref> from both applications shows that "4K Video Downloader+" has only six new files not existing in the prior version. See screenshot. Also,about 27 files were eliminated/not included in the new version.

Despite having been released relatively recently, the "4K Video Downloader+" .exe file shows it is version "25.0.0.182", which may suggest it is a continuation of the prior version.
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Discontinuation of lifetime license (''2023'')===
The developer sells Lifetime License of 4k Video Downloader since 2012<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|title=4k Video Downloader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723220906/http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|archive-date=2012-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>, but discontinues it to sell 4k Video Downloader+ since July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid because it's a "different program".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|title=4K Video Downloader Plus FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers|date=2023-07-26|author=Klara|access-date=2025-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124025437/https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|archive-date=2025-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version==
According to the company's FAQ<ref name=":0" />, the reason for the new version is "the outdated technology stack" is impossible to fix.

While the company (InterPromo GMBH, the current company name used on the footer of the website) claims that updating the original 4K Video Downloader was "impossible" due to an outdated technology stack, this explanation lacks technical detail and may oversimplify the issue. In software development, very few features are truly impossible to implement—more often, they are deprioritized due to cost, complexity, or strategic business decisions. Without transparency about the specific limitations, it's reasonable to question whether the shift to a new app was driven more by monetization goals than technical necessity.

Additionally, a stack update (libraries, frameworks, etc.) would typically include minor UI/UX changes because of the underlying changes. Based on the visual appearance and menu behaviors of both applications, it's not clear a large-scale rewrite was performed, the applications are visually identical.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Products]]

User:Icandostuff

2025-08-16T14:31:24Z

Icandostuff: Created page with "Just a Wikipedian putting his skills to use."

Just a Wikipedian putting his skills to use.

Talk:Apple

2025-08-16T14:29:49Z

Icandostuff: Trying in vain to make a discussion post

I removed the "Mobile Device Security - Undetectable Spyware" section as it contained inaccuracies, guesswork and in general had a too tinfoily tone. Mobile operating systems, such as iOS and iPadOs, are indeed closed source walled gardens which make security inspection more difficult for researchers. Nevertheless, Apple has a track record of fixing discovered vulnerabilities in a timely manner. Security support for mobile devices may last almost up to a decade, longest of all manufacturers.
----
created this section according to the referenced talk on 38C3. It's true that apple is providing more security updates to the end users than other company's, Perhaps the paragraph should reflect that? But it's also a ungoing issue that professional spywares are available and patching those zero day attacks is really difficult because of the locked down nature like explained in the talk.
----
I don't understand this line under Recent Attempts to do Better, is there a grammatical error here, or do I just not know the correct terminology (if this is a terminology issue, does the Senator rule apply?)? "A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16] and [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16 Plus]." [[User:Icandostuff|Icandostuff]] ([[User talk:Icandostuff|talk]]) 14:29, 16 August 2025 (UTC)

Apple

2025-08-16T14:16:22Z

Icandostuff: /* Repairability of Apple products in the 2000's */ Irrelevant to the section

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1976
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Apple_logo_black.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://apple.com/
|Description=
}}
{{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services.

Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]].



==Incidents==

===Repairability of Apple products in the 2000's===
Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices.

===Hardware design issues in the 2010's===
Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the 2010's, often poorly acknowledged by the company and frequently charging exorbitant amounts for repair.

*[https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks]
*the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable [https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer skimping scandal]
*[https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design 2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards]
*the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's [https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html SSD failures]

====Recent attempts to do better====
Recently, Apple has made efforts to improve its products, though some observers feel that its pro-consumer practices still do not match those of certain other manufacturers. This shift is thought by some to be influenced by [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules evolving legislation].

This includes:

*Opening an online [https://support.apple.com/self-service-repair Self Service Repair] parts store.
*Making the [https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown back glass of iPhones removable] starting from iPhone 14.
*Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new [https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767#:~:text=Contact%20Apple%20Support-,Installing%20apps%20through%20alternative%20app%20distribution%20in%20the%20European%20Union,with%20iPadOS%2018%20or%20later. EU legislation].
*[https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 Calibration tools] for newly installed used parts in iOS 18, which sometimes work.
*[https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini] - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason.
*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16] and [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16 Plus].

===Operating system downgrades===
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version other than the most recent. On Macs with T2 chip or Apple Silicon, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607083624/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |archive-date=7 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

*No security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC).
*Medium security: Allow any OS that is signed with a secure boot certificate (default, same as turning on secure boot on a PC).
*Full security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS.

iOS devices only support full security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "[https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket ticket]," which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. [https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading Workarounds] exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users, see the technical details on [[wikipedia:SHSH_blob|SHSH blobs]].

===Class action lawsuit===
Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gael |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Apple Starts Sending Out iPhone 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments. What to Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321051703/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref> Apple claimed that this change was to benefit users who have old failing batteries, and that it wasn't for planned obsolescence. They later published software updates and an article explaining how users can opt out of this new "performance management" mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone battery and performance |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618231138/https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |archive-date=18 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vajpai |first=Shreeti |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=iOS Emulators / Simulators vs Real iOS Devices |url=https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519081214/https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |archive-date=19 May 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=ContextQA}}</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

===Parts availability===
Many parts are not available directly from Apple. Those that are available directly from Apple may be more expensive than paying Apple to repair your device. Parts available to certified repair centers are extremely limited. Apple does not stock current generation iPad parts within GSX (See Certified Repair Centers). A limited selection of iPad parts are available from iFixit, however this can exclude some flex PCBs necessary for repairing headphone jacks.

If an Apple iPhone has GPS calibration issues and or {{Wplink|Bluetooth}} connectivity issues, Apple will do their own diagnostics. You explain to the Apple employee how and when the issues occur and you explain in detail your methods to reproduce the issues. The issues occur when your phone is in your pocket while using navigation and when you hold your phone upside down while using your Apple Beats wireless headphones. After Apple runs their diagnostics and they are not able to detect the issues, they will move onto the next step which is fully resetting your device. This is considered a standard troubleshooting procedure. When you ask the Apple store manager if they would be willing to exchange your device for a similar model if they cannot fix your device they respond with "No, because these phones are designed to be fixed". After the software reset fail, Apple will require you to leave your phone with them so they can send it to their offsite repair facility for further diagnostics. After a few days, Apple will come to the conclusion that your phone requires an entire new midsection. When asked what was replaced, Apple will inform you that the entire inside has been replaced — essentially giving you a new phone (with a new IMEI, EID, etc.) apart from the casing and screen.

===Diagnostic software availability===
Calibration software for some Apple devices has only recently become available to end users. End user calibration tools have only become accessible in iOS 18. Similar calibration tools have been available to Certified Repair Centers, but are generally limited as many parts are serialized, i.e. lid sensors on Mac Books.

===Certified repair centers===
Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius]

===Advertisements in first party apps===
In 2014, Apple and the band U2 partnered to give all iTunes users a free digital copy of their newest album at the time, ''Songs of Innocence'', which was marketed as "the biggest album release ever in history".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|title=Apple & U2 Release “Songs of Innocence” Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers|date=2014-09-09|work=Apple Newsroom|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405230217/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Many users who didn't want the album couldn't remove it from their iTunes library due to the album being listed as a "past purchase" on their account (however the album could always be "hidden").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|title=Apple's Devious U2 Album Giveaway Is Even Worse Than Spam|date=2014-09-16|first=Vijith|last=Assar|work=WIRED|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530112829/https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|archive-date=2025-05-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reports speculated the deal was worth 100 million dollars and was done due to the band's declining popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|title=Apple's U2 Album Promotion Backfires|first=Nathan|last=Rott|date=2014-09-15|work=NPR|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601154245/https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|archive-date=2025-06-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Bono, a member of U2, wrote in his memoir how Tim Cook reportedly said how "there’s something not right about giving [U2's] art away for free" and "the whole point of what we’re trying to do at Apple is to not give away music free. The point is to make sure musicians get paid".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|title=Apple CEO Tim Cook thought U2 putting its album on your iPhone was ‘not right’—even though he did it anyway|first=Tristan|last=Bove|date=2022-10-24|work=Fortune|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127191141/https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|archive-date=2025-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2025, Apple added a promotional offer for the [https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ F1 movie] in their Wallet application. Users have mentioned how this could violate Apple's own policy on advertising, how the high price of Apple devices shouldn't justify first party ads, and the annoyance of seeing it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/|title=Getting ads in Apple Wallet, how to disable?|author=u/african-nightmare|date=2025-06-24|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url= }}</ref> For users on the iOS 26 beta, there is an option to disable "Offers & Promotions", with users on iOS 18 needing to disable notifications completely for the Wallet app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|title=iPhone customers upset by Apple Wallet ad pushing ‘F1’ movie|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2025-06-24|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624213223/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|archive-date=2025-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2024 Antitrust Lawsuit===
In March 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the "closed garden" ecosystem Apple creates surrounding its iPhones stifles competition and innovation. The lawsuit alleges that Apple is directly forcing customers to purchase and use iPhones and their accessories and software in several ways:

* Forcing mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to offer its best customer deals exclusively to those who purchase iPhones.
* Restricting the functionality of Super apps such as WeChat.
* Forcing in-app purchases through applications such as Fortnite to be made within the App Store and taking a part of the proceeds as commission pay.
* Restricting the use of third-party digital wallets and requiring users to exclusively use Apple Pay.
* Restricting how third-party message apps can interact with iMessage.
* Restricting their HomeKit home automation system and all compatible devices to work only on Apple's products and issuing cease & desist orders against emulators designed to make HomeKit compatible with third-party products.
* Restricting compatibility of third party smart watches.

Apple is expected to go to trial in early 2027.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf|title=Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed|first=Michael|last=Liedtke|date=2025-06-30|work=Associated Press|access-date=2025-07-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Elon Musk Lawsuit===
In August of 2025, businessman Elon Musk accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive practices by only allowing their AI program OpenAI to reach the top of the sales chart on Apple App Store. He announced his plan to sue Apple for this practice.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings|title= Musk Accuses Apple Of "Unequivocal Antitrust Violation" For Favoring OpenAI In App Store Rankings|first= Tyler|last= Durden|date= 2025-08-12|work= ZeroHedge|access-date= 2025-08-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (1).jpg|Notification of the offer
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (2).jpg|Home screen of Wallet app
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (3).jpg|Apple Cash card screen
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (4).PNG|Screen when selecting "learn more"
</gallery>

==Products==

*[[ICloud]]
*[[:Category:Apple IPhones|IPhones]]

==Software==

*[[Apple App Store]]
*[[Apple Gatekeeper]]
*[[Xcode]]

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Apple]]