Apple Sued in Canada Over iPhone Waterproof Claims, Facing Potential Damages and Industry Changes

Apple Sued in Canada Over iPhone Waterproof Claims, Facing Potential Damages and Industry Changes Apple has long claimed that its high-end iPhone smartphones possess a degree of water resistance, capable of withstanding immersion in water of a certain depth. However, when users experience water damage to their phones, Apple refuses to provide warranty coverage

Apple Sued in Canada Over iPhone Waterproof Claims, Facing Potential Damages and Industry Changes

Apple has long claimed that its high-end iPhone smartphones possess a degree of water resistance, capable of withstanding immersion in water of a certain depth. However, when users experience water damage to their phones, Apple refuses to provide warranty coverage. Recently, Joey Zukran, a lawyer in Quebec, Canada, filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of misleadingly advertising the iPhone's waterproof capabilities while disavowing responsibility for water damage in its warranty provisions. Zukran aims to turn the case into a class-action lawsuit, representing a larger group of affected consumers.

The plaintiff, a 19-year-old student, had her phone fall into a swimming pool while traveling in Mexico. Despite Apples advertisements claiming iPhones can withstand certain depths of water immersion, the student's phone became unusable after contact with water. When she took her phone to an Apple service center, she was informed that the water damage voided the warranty.

Lawyer Zukran argues that Apple's warranty provisions contradict its advertising, violating consumer rights. He states that many users have encountered similar situations where Apple refused repairs. Zukran demands that Apple revoke the warranty clause excluding water damage from coverage and that they compensate users who have needed repairs or had to purchase new phones due to water damage. Additionally, he seeks an extra $500 payment for each member of the class-action lawsuit.

IT Home notes that this isn't Zukran's first lawsuit against Apple. In 2018, he successfully sued Apple to address issues with iPhone battery warranties. Besides Canada, users in the US and Italy have also questioned Apple's claims about iPhone waterproof features.

In 2022, a US judge dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Apple, arguing that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the phone damage was caused by water. In 2020, Italian regulators fined Apple 12 million, accusing it of exaggerating iPhone waterproof capabilities and not clearly stating the waterproof performance could only be achieved under lab conditions.

If Apple ultimately loses this case, it could significantly impact the entire industry. This could force phone manufacturers to include water damage in their warranty terms, thereby better protecting consumer rights.

This event is prompting people to focus on phone waterproof features and warranty provisions. When purchasing phones, consumers should carefully read warranty terms to understand the phone's waterproof capabilities and warranty coverage. Simultaneously, phone manufacturers should be more transparent in advertising their phones' waterproof features, ensuring their warranty terms align with their advertising to prevent consumer rights from being violated.

Here is a detailed analysis of the article's content:

1. Lawsuit Background:

• Apple claims iPhones are waterproof but denies warranty coverage for water damage.

• Canadian lawyer Zukran files a lawsuit on behalf of users, accusing Apple of false advertising.

2. Lawsuit Contents:

• Zukran believes Apple's warranty provisions conflict with its advertising, violating consumer rights.

• He demands Apple rescind the warranty clause excluding water damage, compensate affected users, and pay additional damages.

3. Lawsuit Impact:

• If Apple loses, it will force phone manufacturers to include water damage in their warranty terms.

• It will affect the entire phone industry's approach to advertising and warranty policies regarding waterproof features.

4. Consumer Rights Protection:

• Consumers should carefully read warranty terms while buying phones, understanding waterproof capabilities and coverage.

• Phone manufacturers should be transparent about their products' waterproof features and ensure warranty terms align with advertising.

5. Related Events:

• Zukran successfully sued Apple in 2018 regarding iPhone battery warranties.

• US and Italian users have questioned Apple's iPhone waterproof claims.

• In 2022, a US judge dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Apple.

• In 2020, Italian regulators fined Apple 12 million.

6. Article Opinion:

• The author believes Apple's warranty terms contradict its advertising, violating consumer rights.

• The author argues phone manufacturers should be more transparent in advertising their products and ensure warranty terms align with advertising.

7. Article Value:

• Reminds consumers to be aware of phone waterproof features, warranty terms, and protect their rights.

• Encourages phone manufacturers to be transparent in product advertising and uphold consumer rights.