The lawyer who has filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple and AT&T said Wednesday the companies duped iPhone buyers by failing to disclose how expensive it would be to replace the battery.
Larry Drury filed the suit last week in Circuit Court in Chicago, joining others in accusing Apple of failing to make clear to iPhone buyers how much it would cost to replace the battery. On Monday, the Consumer Protection Board in New York called on Apple to make replacing the battery easier and less expensive.
Drury told InformationWeek that Apple and AT&T, the exclusive service provider, sold the iPhone without fully disclosing the cost during its lifetime. "As a mater of policy and good business practices, they should have disclosed to the public, who is paying a considerable amount of money for this phone, exactly what it was going to cost them at the end of the day," Drury said.
The Consumer Protection Board echoed those allegations, saying in a letter to Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs that Apple should "review its practices in disclosing contract terms and conditions, warranties and return policies." Board Chairwoman and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein said disclosures on the cost of replacing the battery should be more prominently displayed in Apple stores and online.
"A high-end cell phone shouldn't have to have low-end customer service," Bockstein said.
An Apple spokeswoman told InformationWeek the company does not comment on pending litigation.
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News source: Yahoo! News
Larry Drury filed the suit last week in Circuit Court in Chicago, joining others in accusing Apple of failing to make clear to iPhone buyers how much it would cost to replace the battery. On Monday, the Consumer Protection Board in New York called on Apple to make replacing the battery easier and less expensive.
Drury told InformationWeek that Apple and AT&T, the exclusive service provider, sold the iPhone without fully disclosing the cost during its lifetime. "As a mater of policy and good business practices, they should have disclosed to the public, who is paying a considerable amount of money for this phone, exactly what it was going to cost them at the end of the day," Drury said.
The Consumer Protection Board echoed those allegations, saying in a letter to Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs that Apple should "review its practices in disclosing contract terms and conditions, warranties and return policies." Board Chairwoman and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein said disclosures on the cost of replacing the battery should be more prominently displayed in Apple stores and online.
"A high-end cell phone shouldn't have to have low-end customer service," Bockstein said.
An Apple spokeswoman told InformationWeek the company does not comment on pending litigation.
















It's a sealed unit. Not exactly a 3 min job to replace the battery.
Apple "thinks different". That's why iPhone batteries are so costly to replace and that's why iTune tracks only work on iPod. This is in their right. And if the consumer is deciding where to spend their money it is their responsibility to get the information. As long as Apple has the information available they haven't done anything wrong.
"Low-end customer service" is not an automatic qualifier for a lawsuit.
You don't think a customer should know that they will have to spend $80 and be without their phone for at least a week, or spend $100 to get a temp phone? Umm.... yeah, they should probably know that.
Apple "thinks different"? That's your excuse for them ripping people off? That's the biggest load of crap that I've ever heard. They do it so they can make more money. They could have had the same exact phone, just added a removable back door and some clips for a battery holder. Lets be serious. Name one other phone that doesn't have a removable battery.
Please, for the love of God, get off Apple's nuts.
Can't walk into a store and do that with the iPhone now can you?
I usually carry an extra cell battery with me incase mine dies and I have no way of charging it or incase it breaks. If I had an iPhone I couldn't do that. Battery screws up and you're screwed because you'll probably have to send it off and get a new one.
Having it enclosed like it is makes it look good, but it's really not needed.
Apple "thinks different". That's why iPhone batteries are so costly to replace and that's why iTune tracks only work on iPod. This is in their right. And if the consumer is deciding where to spend their money it is their responsibility to get the information. As long as Apple has the information available they haven't done anything wrong.
Done.
Yes, a consumer should know how much time and money it takes to replace a battery so I guess they better do their homework!!!!
Now, you seem to be a consumer who THINKS before they buy their product. And you're probably right, some of Apple's tactics (like iTunes only playing on iPod) are done on purpose to better Apple's presence in the market and ultimately, earn them more money. Just so you know, that's what businesses do: They make profits. I don't agree with it and I don't have an iPod. But in a free country Apple sure does have the right to make their product that way if they want to. And it's not like they hide this fact about iTunes. Just like they don't hide facts about their battery replacement.
Un-informed consumers need to take responsibility for the dollars they spend by taking a few minutes to research and answer their questions before throwing hundreds of dollars at the latest "in" product just because it's "cool". If battery replacement is an issue they should ask, not assume.
LTD: I'm as shocked as you! Oh wait a sec... I'm typing this on an iMac at work. Now you're probably more shocked than me ha ha.
Apple "thinks different". That's why iPhone batteries are so costly to replace and that's why iTune tracks only work on iPod. This is in their right. And if the consumer is deciding where to spend their money it is their responsibility to get the information. As long as Apple has the information available they haven't done anything wrong.
"Low-end customer service" is not an automatic qualifier for a lawsuit.
Of course, it is their right to make the battery not user-replaceable in order to make more money.
However, it is definitely their fault that they did not announce the $86 replacement program until a few days after the phone went on sale.
Moreover, almost all other phones have user-replaceable battery and the cost is much lower than $86.
It is like you are selling a car that you cannot change your oil yourself or by third parties and you did not clearly mention it beforehand.
It is definitely understandable that people expect it is user-replaceable.
I don't think customers are to blame for not doing homework in this case.
And the fact that Apple did not announce the replacement program before selling the phones is a very strong point in the court for this law suit.
Hey do you remeber those first 1mb hard discs? Wow they cost a lot too, the iPhone with its 4GB solid state is a bargain!
Last edited by Lasker on 02 Aug 2007 - 15:08
100$ to get a new battery including shipping? Fair enough!
Pip'
100$ to get a new battery including shipping? Fair enough!
Pip'
How is it fair? 99.9% Of the cell phone designs out there use a replaceable battery design that the end user can replace at will. usually for under $40... come along the iPhone and now you can't replace your battery.... but ontop of that have to rent a phone and send back your new phone to be replaced with a refurbished one!
If they can afford the iPhone, then they should be able to afford the battery replacement fee. If they were strapped for cash they had no business buying a $499 or $599 phone to begin with.
If they can afford it so much, then why even pay to have a battery replaced just to get a refurbished phone? Heck I can afford it, and I still wouldn't want a refurbished phone nor pay that much for a new battery.... but then again... I wouldn't pay $600 for a phone either...
People like apple so much that they don't even care if apple rip them off. The users are actually giving excuses for apple.
Those who bought the iphone are getting their just dessert though. In this day and age, to many people are buying to much crap they really dont need. I guess its time people learn..... or just keep wasting their money. A materialistic society has been brought upon by tv commercials, lack of parental guidance, and just a lack of self control.
You're rambling. Top-tier, premium items have their market.
Who the **** are you to criticize that market and what that particular demographic chooses to buy?
I don't know what to say to you. Maybe get a better ****ing job, so you can buy all that so-called "crap" you don't really need.
Everyone bitches and moans about luxuries and gadgets . . . until they can afford them.
You're rambling. Top-tier, premium items have their market.
Who the **** are you to criticize that market and what that particular demographic chooses to buy?
I don't know what to say to you. Maybe get a better ****ing job, so you can buy all that so-called "crap" you don't really need.
Everyone bitches and moans about luxuries and gadgets . . . until they can afford them.
And you are rambling as well. Most people who buy a "Top-tier, premium item" generally EXPECT a higher level of service and a higher level of product. The battery issue here seems to contradict the latter part. Look at Dell and their XPS line. You pay more but they offer (supposedly!
Would you honestly like to own a Porsche and get crappy darn service or a crappy product for that price?
You're rambling. Top-tier, premium items have their market.
Who the **** are you to criticize that market and what that particular demographic chooses to buy?
I don't know what to say to you. Maybe get a better ****ing job, so you can buy all that so-called "crap" you don't really need.
Everyone bitches and moans about luxuries and gadgets . . . until they can afford them.
I dont own a iphone, not because i cant afford it, but because i know its not worth what its tagged. And its true, that people buy too much crap they dont need. Hell, most people in texas own a SUV or Truck, but they dont use them for work, hauling huge loads, or going off road. They use them to go from home to the store, the store to the bank, and back home. A fool and their money are soon parted. Just because I have the money, doesnt mean I should buy it. I look at what features it offers, how it will benefit my life, how much i might use it, and then decide if the price justifies all of that.
"Who the **** are you to criticize that market and what that particular demographic chooses to buy?" Im a consumer, and part of the "demographic". I can criticize anything i want, because we all have that freedom. Maybe something i said hit some truth, or maybe your just always a mad person. But we all know the truth hurts when its shown in the right light. The Iphone is over priced for what it offers and does. No one will watch a movie on a screen that is the size of ur fist. Maybe on a car trip, but then, your better off buying a 150$ dvd/tv setup for your car huh. This gadget is just for those who dont know any better about what they really need. Who cares about wants, if its not practical, it doesnt matter.
Only allowing at&t as the provider is the first flaw. 2nd is the battery. 3rd is the price to keep everything functional on your iphone. 4th, to me, is its size. I dont want a phone that takes up that much space in my pocket.
Apple experience - getting ripped off. I get that experience every paycheck due to the government and its taxes.
You're rambling. Top-tier, premium items have their market.
Who the **** are you to criticize that market and what that particular demographic chooses to buy?
I don't know what to say to you. Maybe get a better ****ing job, so you can buy all that so-called "crap" you don't really need.
Everyone bitches and moans about luxuries and gadgets . . . until they can afford them.
but you see this is just the kind of shopper that apple thrives off of, if no one questions them they will get away with charging anything they want for their products.
There is no way in hell you can justify them taking your phone for a week and charging you 80 dollars for a battery.
That's just retarded.
I'm not knocking the phone or it's features i'm knocking apple's lackluster support, and i think they should be forced to give more options.
No 3G.
No EVDO.
No HSDPA.
Wimpy 2 MP camera.
Bad battery life/no way to swap batteries.
Did I mention that the price is kinda high?
locked into one provider.
NO THANKS!
Liar. http://www.google.com/search?q=ipod+batter...amp;startPage=1
A better analogy would be to say; the manufacturer of the vehicle created the gas tank in such a way that special proprietary connectors are needed to replace; which forces you to go to the dealership.
Anyway, honestly, how can people not have realized any issue with the battery? It's essentially an iPod with cell phone capability.
A better analogy would be to say; the manufacturer of the vehicle created the gas tank in such a way that special proprietary connectors are needed to replace; which forces you to go to the dealership.
Anyway, honestly, how can people not have realized any issue with the battery? It's essentially an iPod with cell phone capability.
I think he meant filling up the gas tank with gas.... granted it was a stupid comparison..
If he said something like... the gas tank could only be filled 100 times before you needed a new one which cost you $4800 (on a $30k car, that's the same percentage as what the iphone battery will cost you) and could ONLY be replaced by your dealer......
then maybe it would make more sense... but the problem is, there are apple fanbois who will buy this crap no matter what it does and praise apple for "Thinking differently." But if this was ANY OTHER company out there in the world who pulled it with ANY OTHER product, it would be the end of the world.
My point still is that this is a stupid lawsuit, and if you can't do some research before buying a product then too bad for you. People act like just because most cell phone manufacturers allow you to replace the battery that Apple should be required to do it too. If you don't like it, don't buy it!
As a side note, there are a lot of a**holes on this site.
APPLE is just like any other company making money is there first objective
Now run along and get back to biting that pillow, Jobs is feeling frisky again...
Whether you're 'ok' with the battery or not is not the issue, if you don't like the product, you don't bring it to court. You just don't buy it.
http://www.ipodjuice.com/iphone-battery-re...nt-products.htm
And speaking for ipods, Yes, they too were not meant to be replaced by end-consumers. But its so friken easy. 5min job!! AND THE BATTERYS only cost $20. So its not that bad. The Ipod lcd screens themselves only cost $30-40 bux. So i think in 6 more months, replacement Iphone parts will be cheaper, and people can replace it themselves.
Last edited by bangbang023 on 02 Aug 2007 - 18:43
fivehorizons makes a great comparison, albeit on a much more expensive scale, and he is correct. Why is it OK for Apple to do this? You guys know damn well that if Dell laptops came with sealed laptops that caused expensive battery replacement you would all whine and complain.
what more proof do you need that Apples should be giving consumers a bottle of k-y jelly with every order
Un-informed consumers need to take responsibility for the dollars they spend by taking a few minutes to research and answer their questions before throwing hundreds of dollars at the latest "in" product just because it's "cool". If battery replacement is an issue they should ask, not assume.
LTD: I'm as shocked as you! Oh wait a sec... I'm typing this on an iMac at work. Now you're probably more shocked than me ha ha.
End of discussion, if you can't research before you buy, then you should not buy something you don't know. People here in the USA will sue you for taking a **** in the wrong toilet. Why? BECAUSE EVERYONE WANTS MORE MONEY.
Apple sells it like that, because they want more money. People look for anything to sue, because they want more money. Simple? Thought so. =)
Excuse me, I couldn't refrain. I guess I should start a class action lawsuit against car manufacturers for not giving me a list outlining the costs of replacing the parts in my vehicle. Not to mention if it's something major, I may be without a vehicle for a few days. And then there's that whole not doing my research thing and finding out all the facts before purchase. You want bleeding edge, you got it. Don't whinge because you didn't do your job as a responsible consumer and get all the facts before jumping in. Bet you'd dive head-first into a new lake just because someone told you it was the newest best lake with the best features and that it covers more area than any other lake, of course they didn't mention that it's only 6 inches deep, but that's not their problem, they tell you the good things openly, as any company does, you want the bad, you should check reviews and reports, the info was there for you before you purchased... why complain now?
Go check it out!
P.S. It's not a vulgar site, but a satiric one!
an average cosumer is not that tech savy as most if s here. ok now if i am to be an average cosumer and I know that 99.9% of the mobile phones out there HAVE a replacable battrey (or maybe i dont know that stat but i do know that 100% of the phones i have used in my life had a user replacable batt) and I AM going to buy an iPhone i would set in my mind by default that it would have a replacale battrey.
99.9% of the cosumers only by things they watch on TVs and adverts so it is the the companys (apple in this case) responsibilty to advertise it becouse they are launching a phone that is diffrent from others heck they advertise about every shinny thing iphone has and yet forget to tell some how how much will the battrey replacemet costs?
though i am sick of hearing about all these law suits, why cant everyone go his own way...
Why is it the when MS adds WMP and other stuff to WINDOWS it get screwed for being not competetive
and when apples shoves everything in to its os everyone SLEEPS :s
I am not a fan boy of both i just have used PCs as theyr less expensive to run and maintain... I am just looking for answers :p
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