# France Bans Shortening Product Lifespans Companies can no longer design products with deliberately short lifespans. - **Source:** [r/Apple: Unofficial Apple Community](https://brifing.si/source/75d1b192-594d-4d24-911d-db3c5d188f24) - **Published:** 2026-07-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f84e3bcf-5b64-47e0-9ac9-617eeedd0bff ## Planned Obsolescence Law France became the first country to criminalize planned obsolescence. Companies designing products with deliberately short lifespans will face penalties. This law aims to promote sustainable consumption. ## Criminal Penalties Companies violating the law face fines up to 300,000 euros or 5% of annual revenue. Additionally, prison sentences of up to two years are possible. ## Apple Case Apple paid a 25 million euro fine for software updates that slowed older iPhones. The company admitted to deceptive practices and issued a public notice. ## Repairability Index France created a repairability index scoring products from 1 to 10. This index covers electronics and appliances, guiding consumers in their choices. ## Repair Fund France established a fund to subsidize repair costs. Repairs at approved centers became more affordable for consumers. ## Inspiration for the EU France's comprehensive approach inspired the European Union's 'right to repair' policies. Replaceable batteries and accessible components became mandatory. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1v0qo0o/france_is_making_it_illegal_for_companies_to/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._