Apple to pay $113m settlement after admitting slowing down older iPhones

Apple will pay $113m (£85m) to settle a case alleging it deliberately deceived consumers by slowing down older iPhones to help extend the life of their batteries.

The payment announced in Arizona on Wednesday resolves around a case brought by more than 30 states.

The tech giant had already agreed to pay up to

$500m (£378m)

to settle a class-action lawsuit brought in California in relation to the case.

Apple

has agreed to pay out on the settlements after acknowledging a software update released in 2017 hampered the performance of older iPhones.

The tech giant defended its actions as a way to prevent unintended shutdowns of the older iPhones as their batteries deteriorated.

But critics contended the company did it to help encourage more consumers to upgrade to newer models.

The company, based in Cupertino, California, apologised for slowing down the handsets and has agreed to replace batteries at a steeply discounted price.

Apple, though, has never acknowledged any wrongdoing.

The settlement with the states adds to Apple's bill, which it can easily afford to pay.

The company generates $275bn (£208bn) annual revenue and boasts a market value of $2tn (£1.5tn).