Apple Payed the Alimony: Aussie Court Slaps $9 Million Fine
What’s the Backstory?
In the world of tech giants, Apple usually swoops in with flying iPhones and smashing success. But when a cracked screen ends up in a third‑party repair shop, the company turned out to be a bit of a prying culprit.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) accused Apple of “bricking” iPhones and iPads. That means a software update, allegedly destined to help, actually disable devices that had been fixed elsewhere. 275 customers found themselves in a blackout‑mishap, unable to use their phones again.
Going the Wrong Way? The Court’s Verdict
- On June 19, the Federal Court sided with the ACCC.
- Apple violated consumer law by telling customers they had “no remedy” if the device repair was done by a non‑Apple shop.
- Result? A hefty outlay of A$9 million (S$9 million).
Commissioner Sarah Court summed it up: “You can’t just flip the switch on consumer guarantees because a stranger fixed your phone.” The message was clear: “If you’re a global company, Git the return policy right, or we’ll drop the hammer.”
Apple’s Response
Apple’s rep said they’d had “very productive conversations” with the regulator. No more fingers‑pointing or heated speeches. The brief email didn’t go into the nitty‑gritty of the analysis, but it left room for humor (or a polite nod). Meanwhile, the tech giant has sent apologies to roughly 5,000 customers and promised reparation and better training for staff on warranties, consumer law, and the “error 53” fiasco.
Key Takeaways
- Never let a third‑party fix turn single errors into global penalties.
- Hold strong customer guarantees regardless of who performs repairs.
- Deal with consumer law less like a detective and more like a friend, and the fine won’t be the next headline.
