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Apple sued for 'bricking' iPhones, iPads

Written by James Delahunty @ 06 Apr 2017 8:35 User comments (10)

Apple sued for 'bricking' iPhones, iPads

Apple bricked iPhones and iPads that were repaired / serviced by third-party technicians, an Australian regulatory body alleges.
Apple is being sued downunder for allegedly bricking hundreds of iPhones and iPads with software updates. That's the claim being made by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in a lawsuit against the Cupertino giant.

Specifically, the regulator claims that Apple bricked hundreds of iPhones and iPads and then refused to fix them. According to the regulator, Apple refused to fix the devices because they had been previously been serviced by non-Apple technicians.

Apple customers who had downloaded software updates during September 2014 and February 2016 were later prompted with a message that the device "could not be restored and has stopped functioning."

Upon reaching out to Apple, customers were told that Apple was not required to provide a remedy.



"Consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law exist independently of any manufacturer's warranty and are not extinguished simply because a consumer has goods repaired by a third party," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

ACCC is seeking fines, injunctions, declarations, compliance program orders, corrective notices, and costs in its lawsuit, filed on Wednesday.

Tags: Apple
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10 user comments

17.4.2017 01:05

It just works...unless it doesn't...then you repair it, so Apple kills it again. Glad at least one country gives a crap about this kind of stuff. Too bad it isn't the one I live in.

27.4.2017 11:46

Inorite? How DARE you fix your own device, or have it fixed w/o permission. We must pay homage to Steve Jobs' corpse!

37.4.2017 13:09

Apple........shady as hell.

Samsung ain't much better.......in fact, at least Apple makes a solid product where Samsung makes shit!

47.4.2017 13:11

Until you can root an iPhone, there's nothing "solid" about 'em.

57.4.2017 18:56

This suit also has consequences for any manufacturer that attempts to lock you into their approved repairers bs.For years as an example automotive manufacturers have done this to new vehicle owners here in NZ.Since we have similar laws to Oz it's good to see some of these toe rags get their comeuppance.Whats real good about the consumer guarantee act is there's no need for those paid warranty extensions,as all items are expected to last a reasonable amount of time & if it don't you have the right of return,repair or replacement so don't need to buy another

69.4.2017 20:38

Toshiba has left a bad taste in my mouth as well. After dealing with thier customer service I have had no choice but to donate all my companies Toshiba Products for the Tax Benefit. We made all our money back plus incentive to purchase another brand. Just look around for a companiy that can do better, few and far between, I know.

711.4.2017 03:09

Originally posted by Bull420:
Toshiba has left a bad taste in my mouth as well. After dealing with thier customer service I have had no choice but to donate all my companies Toshiba Products for the Tax Benefit. We made all our money back plus incentive to purchase another brand. Just look around for a companiy that can do better, few and far between, I know.
Yeah, Toshiba went downhill.

816.4.2017 02:28

If you wanna feel like you actually own your phone or do any customizations on it then stay as far away from Apple as you can.

916.4.2017 12:59

This is why I have never bought anything Apple has ever made. They are disgustingly greedy and make there items on the cheap and rob you when you buy them. I can't wait for them to go out of business.

1017.4.2017 09:24

Originally posted by ronhondo:
This is why I have never bought anything Apple has ever made. They are disgustingly greedy and make there items on the cheap and rob you when you buy them. I can't wait for them to go out of business.

That's not fair, the Apple II was a fine computer.

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