Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners

2026-01-04T04:10:26Z

Limeurge: Added archive for source 1.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Creality
|StartDate=2025/08/07
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=3D Scanners
|Product=Otter, Raptor, Ferret*
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Firmware lockout
|Description=Creality's forced update mandate and removing a big feature of their scanners that allows the use of Mobile APP is now locked behind proprietary hardware.
}}'''Creality''', has removed access to previously available features such as scanning directly with a phone link (connecting the phone directly to the 3d scanner), without the use of proprietary hardware. This worked, and while it was flawed, it was a feature that was advertised and they seem to be going into direction of finally supporting it. At some point after announcing '''Creality's Scan Bridge''', the application, Creality Scan on IOS/Android devices, had received an update, effectively removing the ability to directly scan via Phone->Scanner link. Only way was through their proprietary hardware, which can cost up to 300 USD.

==Background==
Creality's 3D Scanner lineup, up to that point (Otter, Ferret, Raptor and RaptorX*) had been advertised that they will soon feature ability to scan via simple connection to the phone. The first version to actually allow this of this is not 100% known, however, it is known that the last version to feature this, was 2.2.6v of the Creality Scan, which allowed said lineup, to easily and freely connect your 3D Scanner from the Creality's line up. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Image of showcasting promised support with the Creality Scan |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2123415474748214/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104040342/https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2123415474748214/ |archive-date=2026-01-04}}</ref>

This while not perfect, worked, and allowed you to somewhat, easily transfer your scans to the PC/Laptop and do the heavily computing on there, while having the freedom to scan with your phone. This allowed easy and fast scanning especially as it did not require for the Point Cloud (points that the scanner grabs), that you drag your PC/Laptop with you and hold it while scanning. It did had numerous issues, but the application was working.

==Forced update==
Since the application update from '''2.2.6V,''' onwards, the rhetoric of Creality was that in order to use the application as "intended" you had to buy the aforementioned, '''Creality Scan Bridge.''' A '''250-300$''' (USD) proprietary hardware, that features a battery, and a wireless antenna, all within a specific handle to make scanning easier. While the item in it self is not an issue, the issue was that it suddenly become '''mandatory to buy it''', in order to use it the application for IOS/Android with your scanner, even though that it was already properly working beforehand. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Showcase of a facebook post as many people reporting that the app worked, right until 2.2.6 |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/posts/2237763439980083/}}</ref>

They had effectively disabled the application to recognize the scanner if you plugged it directly to your phone, with a simple, yet quality USB-C to USB-C cable that connect to your Phone and Scanner.

Users could downgrade to said version ('''2.2.6v'''), however, after '''2025-08-07''', they have pushed a '''forced Mandatory update''' to all of the scanners before you can open and use it in Creality Scan 4. (Creality Scan 3, as of this point and date, still does not force users to update). Even if you are using Creality Scan on IOS/Android it would not register it from that point. This update changelog can be seen on: "https://www.crealitycloud.com/downloads/other/cr-scan".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Their official page listing downloads for all of the frimware, where you can see "Added network security authentication.". Suddenly. |url=https://www.crealitycloud.com/downloads/other/cr-scan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250909180150/https://www.crealitycloud.com/downloads/other/cr-scan |archive-date=2025-09-09}}</ref>

This '''forced''' update happens as soon as you have a stable internet connection and you open up the Creality Scan 4 software, their newest software as of writing this article. You are not allowed to not opt-out of this update, but have only the chance to install it. Keeping in mind that some of these scanners have not received any update from 2024 ('''Otter''' in particular), that gives no real fixes besides locking your scanner to not work with aforementioned application on your phone. Only with their proprietary hardware.

If you happen to install this update, and try to go back to the application on your phone, this essentially "soft-locks" the scanner so you cannot find you scanner even on previous version of the application on your phone (2.2.6v) that worked. However, if you do not update, you cannot use '''Creality Scan 4'''. Only way to use it without updating, is that you have a fresh installation of Creality Scan 4, and disable internet access to the software, before the first start of the application.

To top it off, Creality's software Creality Scan 4, suffers from observable quality degradation issues, that might or might not be intentional. (Even though it is faster and more intuitive, it has been noticed that in Colour Mapping abilities of scans, have been reduced in quality. This may not be intentional, but rather an oversight during the development phase)(This however cannot be overlooked, as Creality Scan 4 software, is no longer in beta since '''2025-06-06'''). ''*in direct compariosn between Creality Scan 3 software, and 4''. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Radic |first=Gabriel |title=Direct comparison of the same rock, only difference is the software (easily noticable quality difference in Color Mapping) |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2259683924454701/}}</ref>

===Creality's response===

As of this moment have not been an official wide response on "why", aside from administrators from official Facebook groups, where they claim it would "drain the battery", and that this seems to be the reason they want you to buy a 250-300$ USD hardware from them, even though this was not an issue or statement before, when the software worked. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Henry |title=Quote from an employe that says it would suddenly drain your battery |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/posts/2237763439980083/?comment_id=2238238926599201}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Another post in which an employee of Creality says you need to use the Scanner Bridge (even though the application worked without it prior and with 2.2.6) |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2130629434026818/}}</ref>

==Consumer response==

Backlash has been vocal, seeing many posts from Reddit and Facebook official and unoffical groups, shows that what the company has done, has not been received well. Such as a user willing to even pay for the APK version of '''2.2.6v,''' just so the user can use the actual software as it was advertised and intended to. [2]Some people have stated that it is most likely again, for people to switch and buy the aforementioned hardware. <ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Offical release where multiple users reported that they no longer can connect directly to their scanner with their phone on the app. |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2130629434026818/}}</ref>

This has caused quite a stir on what the company actually prioritizes, as the software, up until that point had no issue with working.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Creality]]

Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners

2026-01-04T04:01:52Z

Limeurge: Added date to cargo.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Creality
|StartDate=2025/08/07
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=3D Scanners
|Product=Otter, Raptor, Ferret*
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Firmware lockout
|Description=Creality's forced update mandate and removing a big feature of their scanners that allows the use of Mobile APP is now locked behind proprietary hardware.
}}'''Creality''', has removed access to previously available features such as scanning directly with a phone link (connecting the phone directly to the 3d scanner), without the use of proprietary hardware. This worked, and while it was flawed, it was a feature that was advertised and they seem to be going into direction of finally supporting it. At some point after announcing '''Creality's Scan Bridge''', the application, Creality Scan on IOS/Android devices, had received an update, effectively removing the ability to directly scan via Phone->Scanner link. Only way was through their proprietary hardware, which can cost up to 300 USD.

==Background==
Creality's 3D Scanner lineup, up to that point (Otter, Ferret, Raptor and RaptorX*) had been advertised that they will soon feature ability to scan via simple connection to the phone. The first version to actually allow this of this is not 100% known, however, it is known that the last version to feature this, was 2.2.6v of the Creality Scan, which allowed said lineup, to easily and freely connect your 3D Scanner from the Creality's line up. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Image of showcasting promised support with the Creality Scan |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2123415474748214/}}</ref>

This while not perfect, worked, and allowed you to somewhat, easily transfer your scans to the PC/Laptop and do the heavily computing on there, while having the freedom to scan with your phone. This allowed easy and fast scanning especially as it did not require for the Point Cloud (points that the scanner grabs), that you drag your PC/Laptop with you and hold it while scanning. It did had numerous issues, but the application was working.

==Forced update==
Since the application update from '''2.2.6V,''' onwards, the rhetoric of Creality was that in order to use the application as "intended" you had to buy the aforementioned, '''Creality Scan Bridge.''' A '''250-300$''' (USD) proprietary hardware, that features a battery, and a wireless antenna, all within a specific handle to make scanning easier. While the item in it self is not an issue, the issue was that it suddenly become '''mandatory to buy it''', in order to use it the application for IOS/Android with your scanner, even though that it was already properly working beforehand. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Showcase of a facebook post as many people reporting that the app worked, right until 2.2.6 |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/posts/2237763439980083/}}</ref>

They had effectively disabled the application to recognize the scanner if you plugged it directly to your phone, with a simple, yet quality USB-C to USB-C cable that connect to your Phone and Scanner.

Users could downgrade to said version ('''2.2.6v'''), however, after '''2025-08-07''', they have pushed a '''forced Mandatory update''' to all of the scanners before you can open and use it in Creality Scan 4. (Creality Scan 3, as of this point and date, still does not force users to update). Even if you are using Creality Scan on IOS/Android it would not register it from that point. This update changelog can be seen on: "https://www.crealitycloud.com/downloads/other/cr-scan".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Their official page listing downloads for all of the frimware, where you can see "Added network security authentication.". Suddenly. |url=https://www.crealitycloud.com/downloads/other/cr-scan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250909180150/https://www.crealitycloud.com/downloads/other/cr-scan |archive-date=2025-09-09}}</ref>

This '''forced''' update happens as soon as you have a stable internet connection and you open up the Creality Scan 4 software, their newest software as of writing this article. You are not allowed to not opt-out of this update, but have only the chance to install it. Keeping in mind that some of these scanners have not received any update from 2024 ('''Otter''' in particular), that gives no real fixes besides locking your scanner to not work with aforementioned application on your phone. Only with their proprietary hardware.

If you happen to install this update, and try to go back to the application on your phone, this essentially "soft-locks" the scanner so you cannot find you scanner even on previous version of the application on your phone (2.2.6v) that worked. However, if you do not update, you cannot use '''Creality Scan 4'''. Only way to use it without updating, is that you have a fresh installation of Creality Scan 4, and disable internet access to the software, before the first start of the application.

To top it off, Creality's software Creality Scan 4, suffers from observable quality degradation issues, that might or might not be intentional. (Even though it is faster and more intuitive, it has been noticed that in Colour Mapping abilities of scans, have been reduced in quality. This may not be intentional, but rather an oversight during the development phase)(This however cannot be overlooked, as Creality Scan 4 software, is no longer in beta since '''2025-06-06'''). ''*in direct compariosn between Creality Scan 3 software, and 4''. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Radic |first=Gabriel |title=Direct comparison of the same rock, only difference is the software (easily noticable quality difference in Color Mapping) |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2259683924454701/}}</ref>

===Creality's response===

As of this moment have not been an official wide response on "why", aside from administrators from official Facebook groups, where they claim it would "drain the battery", and that this seems to be the reason they want you to buy a 250-300$ USD hardware from them, even though this was not an issue or statement before, when the software worked. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Henry |title=Quote from an employe that says it would suddenly drain your battery |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/posts/2237763439980083/?comment_id=2238238926599201}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Another post in which an employee of Creality says you need to use the Scanner Bridge (even though the application worked without it prior and with 2.2.6) |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2130629434026818/}}</ref>

==Consumer response==

Backlash has been vocal, seeing many posts from Reddit and Facebook official and unoffical groups, shows that what the company has done, has not been received well. Such as a user willing to even pay for the APK version of '''2.2.6v,''' just so the user can use the actual software as it was advertised and intended to. [2]Some people have stated that it is most likely again, for people to switch and buy the aforementioned hardware. <ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Offical release where multiple users reported that they no longer can connect directly to their scanner with their phone on the app. |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/creality3dscanner2/permalink/2130629434026818/}}</ref>

This has caused quite a stir on what the company actually prioritizes, as the software, up until that point had no issue with working.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Creality]]

VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom

2026-01-04T03:52:36Z

Limeurge: Edited cargo table.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Broadcom Inc.
|StartDate=2023-11-22
|Status=Active
|Product=VMware
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Terms of Service
|Description=Broadcom ended perpetual VMware licenses and changed to a subscription based model.
}}On 22 November 2023, [[Broadcom Inc.]] completed the acquisition of VMware for $61 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://investors.broadcom.com/news-releases/news-release-details/broadcom-completes-acquisition-vmware |title=Broadcom Completes Acquisition of VMware |website=Broadcom Inc. |date=2023-11-22 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Perpetual licenses for the software were ended and changed to a subscription-based model.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2024/01/22/vmware-end-of-availability-of-perpetual-licensing-and-saas-services/ |title=VMware End Of Availability of Perpetual Licensing and SaaS Services |website=VMware Cloud Foundation Blog |date=2024-01-22 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Customers report that this new model results in higher overall pricing for their use of VMware, with documented increases ranging from 800% to 1,500%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/22/euro_cloud_body_ecco_says_broadcom_licensing_unfair/ |title=VMware price hikes? 800-1,500%, claim Euro customers |website=The Register |date=2025-05-22 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Several notable businesses who are customers of VMware have started legal action against Broadcom.

==Background==
===Acquisition timeline & strategy===
Broadcom announced its intent to acquire VMware on May 26, 2022, for approximately $61 billion in cash and stock.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.channelfutures.com/channel-business/the-broadcom-vmware-acquisition-a-complete-timeline |title=The Broadcom VMware Acquisition: A Complete Timeline |website=Channel Futures |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The acquisition completed on November 22, 2023, following regulatory approvals from multiple jurisdictions.

In 2025, Broadcom initiated the second phase of its VMware consolidation.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ciodive.com/news/broadcom-vmware-vcf-adoption-second-phase/759406/ |title=Broadcom enters 'second phase' of VMware consolidation |website=CIO Dive |date=2025-09-05 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The CEO stated that "more than 90% of VMware's largest 10,000 customers have shifted from perpetual licenses to the subscription-based" model, though he clarified that purchasing licenses does not mean full deployment.<ref name=":2" />

===Business model transformation===
On December 11, 2023, Broadcom announced it would immediately stop selling perpetual licenses and discontinue support renewals for existing perpetual license holders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.vmware.com/company/vmware-by-broadcom-business-transformation |title=VMware by Broadcom Dramatically Simplifies Offer Lineup and Licensing Model |website=VMware News |date=2023-12-11 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The company reduced VMware's portfolio from approximately 200 products to four core subscription bundles: VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and VMware vSphere Foundation as primary offerings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://redresscompliance.com/broadcom-vmware-licensing-and-subscription-changes-explained/ |title=Broadcom VMware Licensing Changes Explained |website=Redress Compliance |date=2024-03-15 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

Besides the new pricing models since the acquisition, Broadcom increased the minimum amount of cores from 16 to 72 cores in April 2025, which must be paid irrespective of usage of the 72 cores.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.colocationplus.com/blog/vmware-price-increase-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know |title=VMware Price Increase in 2025: What You Need to Know |website=ColocationPLUS |date=2025-05-06 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/28/arrow_vmware_licensing_change/ |title=VMware distributor Arrow says minimum software subs set to jump from 16 to 72 cores |website=The Register |date=2025-03-28 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> However, following a ton of industry backlash, Broadcom completely reversed this decision in April 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://licenseware.io/major-update-for-vmware-customers-min-licensing-requirement-increases-from-16-to-72-cores/ |title=Major Update for VMware Customers: minimum purchase requirement of 72 cores per product |website=Licenseware |date=2025-04-02 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> In addition, being late with license renewal causes an additional 20% cost penalty.<ref name=":3" />

===Focus on enterprise customers===
CEO Hock Tan explicitly stated that while VMware has 300,000 customers, Broadcom sees "the top 10,000 as being people where it makes a lot of sense, derive a lot of value in deploying private cloud using VCF."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sdxcentral.com/news/broadcom-ceo-not-sure-its-worth-targeting-smaller-vmware-customers/ |title=Broadcom CEO not sure it's worth targeting smaller VMware customers |website=SDxCentral |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> This strategic narrowing focuses on approximately 600 strategic enterprise accounts while pushing smaller customers toward alternatives.

==End of perpetual licenses==
===Implementation and enforcement===
Beginning in May 2025, Broadcom began sending cease-and-desist letters to customers using perpetual licenses without active support contracts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.channelfutures.com/cloud/broadcom-to-perpetual-vmware-users-cease-and-desist |title=Broadcom to Perpetual VMware Users: Cease and Desist |website=Channel Futures |date=2025-05-07 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Customers were informed they must immediately discontinue use of VMware products unless they transition to subscription licensing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/05/07/1856255/vmware-perpetual-license-holders-receive-cease-and-desist-letters-from-broadcom |title=VMware Perpetual License Holders Receive Cease-And-Desist Letters From Broadcom |website=Slashdot |date=2025-05-07 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

VMware customers must now commit to three-year subscription terms for license renewals, a requirement that has generated significant customer resistance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/23/customers_gripe_at_threeyear_commitment/ |title=VMware users unhappy at 3-year commitment to renew licenses |website=The Register |date=2025-01-23 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===Broadcom's response===
Broadcom argues that they have listened to their customers. In an April 2024 blog post, CEO Hock Tan stated that subscription licensing ''"eliminates incentives"'' for confusing pricing practices common in the software industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadcom.com/blog/a-changing-market-landscape-requires-constant-evolution-our-mission-for-vmware-customers |title=A changing market landscape requires constant evolution: our mission for VMware customers |website=Broadcom |date=2024-04-15 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> He also announced that customers needing additional time for migration could receive support extensions, though specific terms were not disclosed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.constellationr.com/blog-news/insights/broadcom-ceo-tan-says-vmware-customers-can-get-support-extensions-amid |title=Broadcom CEO Tan says VMware customers can get support extensions amid subscription transition |website=Constellation Research |date=2024-04-15 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

==Lawsuits==
===Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure (Rijkswaterstaat v. Broadcom Inc.)===
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the District Court of The Hague granted Rijkswaterstaat's (RWS) request in case ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2025:11349.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/details?id=ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2025:11349 |title=ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2025:11349 |website=De Rechtspraak |date=2025-06-27 |access-date=2025-09-08 |language=nl}}</ref> Broadcom must continue to provide RWS with support for a period of 2 years under the existing conditions and price of €1,765,191 annually, with penalties of €250,000 per day for non-compliance up to €25 million maximum.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://openrijk.nl/en/rijksinstellingen/rijkswaterstaat/artikel/rijkswaterstaat-wint-kort-geding-tegen-broadcom-over-voortzetting-van-support/rijkswaterstaat-wins-summary-proceedings-against-broadcom-over-continuation-of-support |title=Rijkswaterstaat wins summary proceedings against Broadcom over continuation of support |website=Openrijk |date=2025-07-03 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

The judge ruled: <blockquote>"Unlike Broadcom et al. have stated, there was [thus] no question of free commercial negotiations between two large professional parties; one could say that RWS was in a bind. The judge ruled that RWS must be allowed to part ways with VMware/Broadcom and still receive support during that process. By failing to do so, Broadcom acts in violation of the care that is owed to RWS in social traffic."<ref name=":0" /> </blockquote>The court noted that RWS manages critical infrastructure including Dutch tunnels, locks, and bridges, and faced an 85% price increase from Broadcom.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/4015489/dutch-court-forces-broadcom-to-support-vmware-migration-after-85-price-hike-backlash.html |title=Dutch court forces Broadcom to support VMware migration after 85% price hike backlash |website=Network World |date=2025-06-30 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===European Cloud Providers===
On July 30, 2025, the trade body for European Cloud providers CISPE started legal action against the European Commission.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://licenseware.io/european-cloud-providers-drag-broadcoms-vmware-deal-into-court/ |title=European Cloud Providers Drag Broadcom's VMware Deal into Court |website=Licenseware |date=2025-07-30 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The legal action focuses on the acquisition approval by the EU Commission; arguing the remedies taken were "irrelevant to the real threat."<ref name=":1" /> CISPE seeks to annul the Commission's approval, citing "errors in law and manifest failures" in competitive assessment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cispe.cloud/cispe-takes-european-commission-to-court-to-annul-approval-of-broadcoms-acquisition-of-vmware/ |title=CISPE Takes European Commission to Court to Annul Approval of Broadcom's Acquisition of VMware |website=CISPE |date=2025-07-30 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===AT&T===
AT&T filed suit against Broadcom in August 2024, alleging a 1,050% price increase from approximately $2 million to over $20 million annually for 75,000 virtual machines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/01/att_broadcom_filings_update/ |title=AT&T claims VMware offered it a 1,050 percent price rise |website=The Register |date=2024-10-01 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The lawsuit documented that migrating away from VMware would cost AT&T an estimated $40-50 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/news/366610359/ATT-sues-Broadcom-over-VMware-support-licensing |title=AT&T sues Broadcom over VMware support licensing |website=TechTarget |date=2024-08-29 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> AT&T warned of potential impacts to critical services including FirstNet emergency communications.

On November 21, 2024, AT&T reached a settlement-in-principle with Broadcom.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |url=https://www.ciodive.com/news/broadcom-att-vmware-settlement-licensing-support-lawsuit/733763/ |title=Broadcom, AT&T reach settlement in VMware legal dispute |website=CIO Dive |date=2024-11-22 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it is clear that AT&T is moving away from doing business with Broadcom.<ref name=":4" /> In the case, Broadcom argued to the court that they did not have to give support as AT&T did not renew their license.

===Tesco===
On September 3, 2025, Tesco filed suit against Broadcom seeking £100 million in damages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/09/03/tesco_sues_vmware_broadcom_computacenter/ |title=Supermarket giant Tesco sues VMware for breach of contract |website=The Register |date=2025-09-03 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The UK's largest supermarket chain warned of potential disruption to UK and Ireland food supplies, as it operates 40,000 virtual workloads supporting point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and logistics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2025/cloud/tesco-sues-broadcom-over-vmware-licensing-warns-food-supply-could-be-hit |title=Tesco sues Broadcom over VMware licensing, warns food supply could be hit |website=Computing |date=2025-09-03 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Tesco alleges Broadcom breached perpetual license contracts valid until 2026 with extension options, denied promised software upgrades, and restricted security patches to subscription customers only.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techstrong.it/featured/tesco-sues-broadcom-over-vmware-licensing-citing-operational-risks/ |title=Tesco Sues Broadcom Over VMware Licensing, Citing Operational Risks |website=Techstrong IT |date=2025-09-04 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===Siemens===
In March 2025, VMware filed copyright infringement charges against Siemens, alleging the industrial giant uses "thousands" of unlicensed VMware products.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/26/vmware_sues_siemens_for_using/ |title=VMware sues Siemens for using unlicensed software |website=The Register |date=2025-03-26 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> VMware claims Siemens requested support renewal in September 2024 for products never properly licensed and refused to submit to an independent software audit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cfodive.com/news/broadcom-vmware-siemens-licensing-lawsuit/744716/ |title=VMware feuds with Siemens in legal battle over software licensing |website=CFO Dive |date=2025-03-27 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

==Regulatory investigations==
===European Union===
The European Commission approved the acquisition in July 2023 under case number M.10806 with significant conditions including 10-year commitments for technology access, interoperability APIs, and source code access to competitors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3777 |title=Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of VMware by Broadcom, subject to conditions |website=European Commission |date=2023-07-12 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

On July 22, 2024, the European Commission initiated investigations, receiving complaints about the licensing model after Broadcom acquired VMware.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dutchcloudcommunity.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Art-182-RFI-CISPE-Broadcom-VMware-22-07-24-esigned.pdf |title=Case AT.40924 - VMware software licensing - Request for information pursuant to Article 18(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 |website=European Commission |date=2024-07-22 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The European Cloud Competition Observatory assigned Broadcom "red" status for critical anticompetitive risk in May 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cispe.cloud/ecco-reports-no-progress-with-broadcom/ |title=ECCO Reports No Progress with Broadcom |website=CISPE |date=2024-05-23 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===China===
China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) granted conditional approval with 10-year monitoring requirements prohibiting unjustifiable bundling and requiring maintained compatibility with third-party hardware.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://digitalpolicyalert.org/event/15828-issued-samr-conditional-approval-of-broadcom-and-vmware-merger |title=China: Issued SAMR conditional approval of Broadcom and VMware merger |website=Digital Policy Alert |date=2023-11-21 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Multiple Chinese companies have since filed new complaints alleging post-acquisition abuse of dominance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlex.com/mlex/antitrust/articles/2274786/broadcom-s-vmware-sees-antitrust-complaints-escalated-to-china-s-samr |title=Broadcom's VMware sees antitrust complaints escalated to China's SAMR |website=MLex |date=2024-08-15 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===Japan===
The Japan Fair Trade Commission launched an investigation in September 2024 focusing on forced bundling practices, conducting office raids in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/25/japan_vmware_broadcom_monopoly_investigation/ |title=VMware investigated by Japanese antimonopoly agency: reports |website=The Register |date=2024-09-25 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
The UK Competition and Markets Authority provided unconditional clearance after examining over 250,000 internal business documents, concluding potential benefits of restricting competitors would be outweighed by loss of business.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-clears-broadcom-s-deal-to-buy-vmware |title=CMA clears Broadcom's deal to buy VMware |website=GOV.UK |date=2023-08-21 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

==Consumer response==
===Price increases===
Many independent surveys & documented cases confirm the 800% to 1,500% price increase range affecting VMware customers globally. The European Cloud Competition Observatory (ECCO) found that their members' costs for VMware increased 8 to 15 times compared to the previous pricing model.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/pro/broadcom-has-allegedly-hiked-vmware-costs-between-800-and-1-500-percent |title=Broadcom has allegedly hiked VMware costs between 800 and 1,500% |website=TechRadar |date=2025-05-23 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> A CloudBolt Software survey of 300 VMware customers found 75% expect price increases exceeding 100%, with many reporting actual increases between 500% and 1,200%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/06/06/2894702/0/en/New-Report-from-CloudBolt-Software-and-Wakefield-Research-Unpacks-Real-Reactions-and-Key-Concerns-from-VMware-Users-in-the-Aftermath-of-Broadcom-s-Acquisition.html |title=New Report from CloudBolt Software and Wakefield Research Unpacks Real Reactions and Key Concerns from VMware Users in the Aftermath of Broadcom's Acquisition |website=GlobeNewswire |date=2024-06-06 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

A Civo survey of 1,000 VMware customers found that 48.7% have already had to spend more to access the same features, with 99% expressing concern about Broadcom's actions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.civo.com/newsroom/vmware-customer-spend |title=Nearly half of VMware's customers already have to spend more to access the same features |website=Civo |date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

===Customer migration===
The reliance on VMware is high across many different sectors and is not something that can easily be replaced by other software.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/106547-loved-vmware-now-hate-customers-react-broadcom-changes.html |title="We loved VMware. Now we hate it": Customers react to Broadcom's changes |website=TechSpot |date=2025-01-29 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> Despite this, major migrations are occurring:

*Computershare is migrating all 24,000 virtual machines to Nutanix AHV after receiving quotes for 10x to 15x price increases.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.webpronews.com/vmware-may-have-lost-a-24000-license-customer/ |title=VMware May Have Lost a 24000 License Customer |website=WebProNews |date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>
*GEICO migrated to OpenStack to avoid vendor lock-in.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/28/geico_vmware_openstack_migration/ |title=US insurer GEICO drops VMware for OpenStack |website=The Register |date=2024-08-28 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>
*Beeks Group moved 20,000 VMs to the OpenNebula open-source platform after facing a 10x price increase.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techwrix.com/broadcom-loses-another-major-vmware-customer-beeks-groups-bold-move-from-vmware-to-open-nebula/ |title=Broadcom Loses another Major VMware Customer Beeks Group's Bold Move: From VMware to Open Nebula |website=Techwrix |date=2024-12-20 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

Industry research shows 52% of VMware customers are considering leaving the platform, with 56% planning to decrease VMware use over the next year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/11/civo_vmware_research/ |title=More than half of VMware customers looking for alternatives |website=The Register |date=2024-09-11 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

==Financial impact==
Despite widespread customer dissatisfaction, Broadcom reports strong financial performance from the VMware acquisition. Infrastructure software segment revenues reached $6.8 billion in Q3 2025, up 17% year-over-year, with VMware contributing $3.8 billion quarterly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/13/broadcom_q4_fy_2024_vmware/ |title=Broadcom turns VMware into a prolific money-making machine |website=The Register |date=2024-12-13 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref> The company achieved $2.7 billion in annualized booking value and aims to grow VMware's revenue from $4.7 billion to $8.5 billion within three years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sdxcentral.com/analysis/broadcom-bounces-vmware-operating-concerns/ |title=Broadcom bounces VMware operating concerns |website=SDxCentral |date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

Broadcom cut VMware's quarterly operating costs from $2.4 billion to $1.2 billion while increasing margins from below 30% to 70%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thecuberesearch.com/243-breaking-analysis-assessing-broadcom-vmware-eight-months-on/ |title=Assessing Broadcom VMware Eight Months On |website=theCUBE Research |date=2024-07-20 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

==Market alternatives==
The disruption has created opportunities for VMware competitors:

*Nutanix emerges as the primary beneficiary, with its Net Score jumping from single digits to 40% and adding 630 new customers in its most recent quarter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/news/366617362/VMware-by-Broadcom-changes-to-continue-in-2025 |title=VMware by Broadcom changes to continue in 2025 |website=TechTarget |date=2025-01-14 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>
*Microsoft Azure Stack HCI now holds nearly 38% of virtualization market share versus VMware's 36%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/topics/8785/vmware/ |title=VMware - statistics & facts |website=Statista |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>
*Open-source alternatives including Proxmox, KVM, and OpenNebula see increased adoption particularly among cost-conscious mid-market organizations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.spectrocloud.com/blog/vsphere-alternatives |title=Complete guide to modern vSphere alternatives for 2025 |website=Spectro Cloud |date=2025-01-15 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

Gartner estimates 18-48 month timelines for organizations to move away from VMware depending on complexity, warning migrations will be "long, costly and risky."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sdxcentral.com/articles/analysis/broadcoms-vmware-chaos-catalyzes-gartners-dhi-ranking/2024/10/ |title=Broadcom's VMware chaos catalyzes Gartner's DHI ranking |website=SDxCentral |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-09-08}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:VMware]]
[[Category:Broadcom Inc.]]
[[Category:Software licensing]]