The French HOP agency accused Apple of "planned scrapping" and adopting a "serialization" plan for parts.

CTOnews.com, May 16, according to Agence France-Presse, the French Association for the cessation of scheduled scrapping (HOP) launched an investigation into Apple in December last year, accusing the company of adopting a "serialization" program for repair parts, resulting in parts "planned outdated" (planned obsolescence).

Under Apple's self-service program launched in France, users are required to enter the serial number of the device and match it to the current device during installation when purchasing parts for devices such as the iPhone and Mac.

HOP said the policy made it possible for Apple to limit maintenance to approved technicians and limit the functionality of devices repaired with uncertified parts. The group added that because Apple shipped large and heavy tools to customers, the self-service maintenance program could have an adverse environmental impact.

The Paris prosecutor's office is handling an investigation and has not formally charged Apple with any wrongdoing based on HOP's complaint. The group had previously complained that Apple was fined 25 million euros in France for restricting the maximum performance of some older iPhone models with aging batteries if necessary to prevent the device from being turned off accidentally. (CTOnews.com Note: currently about 190 million yuan).