In January Patently Apple posted a report titled "Italy's Consumer Watchdog Officially Launched Proceedings against Apple and Samsung Regarding Product Obsolescence." Earlier today Italy's anti-trust watchdog said it was fining Apple and Samsung Electronics 5 million euros ($5.7 million) each following complaints they used software updates to slow down their mobile phones.

According to Reuters, "Apple was hit with an additional 5 million euro fine for failing to give clients clear information about how to maintain or eventually replace handset batteries.

The anti-trust body said in a statement that some Apple and Samsung firmware updates 'had caused serious dysfunctions and reduced performance significantly, thereby accelerating the process of replacing them.'  

It added the two firms had not provided clients adequate information about the impact of the new software 'or any means of restoring the original functionality of the products.'" 

Apple made no comment and Samsung, as always, says it will appeal the decision.