A viral video featuring a woman claiming to be a former Apple software engineer has ignited fresh controversy over planned obsolescence. She alleges the company intentionally degrades older iPhone performance through software updates containing hidden code that forces users toward newer models.

The accusations echo the 2017 Batterygate scandal, where Apple admitted to throttling older devices but claimed it prevented unexpected shutdowns in phones with aging batteries. Unlike that incident, these new allegations remain unproven, with Apple declining to comment on the video circulating across social platforms.

Meanwhile, industry leaks suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will introduce significant display changes, potentially eliminating the pill-shaped cutout entirely. Reports indicate the company is developing under-display facial recognition sensors, which could shift the front camera to a smaller punch-hole design.

Whether these claims hold merit or represent another misunderstanding about complex battery management systems, they highlight ongoing consumer concerns about device longevity and transparency in software updates.