Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over iPhone Upgrade Program Woes

[MacRumors]

Boston law firm Block & Leviton today announced it has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple on behalf of iPhone Upgrade customers who are dissatisfied with how Apple handled iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus pre-orders last Friday.

When customers who participate in the iPhone Upgrade Program went to pre-order an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, they were forced to reserve a device from a local Apple retail store rather than being able to make a traditional online purchase. Many retail stores did not have sufficient stock to meet demand, leaving some customers unable to select the model, color, or storage capacity they desired.

Many iPhone Upgrade Program members were unhappy with the ordering process and an inability to reserve a desired iPhone for launch day. Apple has responded to customer frustration and has been collecting customer information to attempt to get customers their iPhones as soon as possible. Apple's efforts have not, however, prevented today's lawsuit, which claims iPhone Upgrade Program users will face future upgrade delays due to the situation.

But, the lawsuit alleges, iPhone Upgrade Program customers, unlike every other customer, were shut out from reserving the most in-demand phone models and colors.

These customers are unable to "get in line" to reserve their favored devices. Instead, they are told to simply "check back." In the meantime, they will continue to be required to make monthly payments on their older iPhones, and their eligibility for future iPhones will be delayed, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit asks Apple to reimburse iPhone Upgrade members who are forced to make extra payments while waiting for a new iPhone, make upgrade members eligible for a 2017 iPhone in September regardless of upgrade delays, and seeks to require Apple to make all of its iPhone inventory available to upgrade members.

Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, arguably designed for the company's staunchest fans, allows customers to upgrade to a new iPhone each year. Customers can upgrade after as little as six months, so long as they have made 12 iPhone payments and trade in the iPhone in question when upgrading.

Article Link: Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over iPhone Upgrade Program Woes

 

[Amorie]

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

 

[Bako-MacAddict]

I knew this was coming up eventually ....

 

[theshoehorn]

Some people I tell you...

 

[shk718]

This is a moronic first world problem, just pure disgusting greed on the part of skumbag Lawyers looking for any stupid reason to sue and make money - and i'm in the iUP program. All these frivolous lawsuits cause so much more damage than the alleged "problems" they fix. Our insurance rates are going thru the roof because of these stupid lawsuits. Not getting an iphone on launch day is not an issue that harms anyone and I'm sure Apple will make good on any payments made in errs. The judge that allows this case to go thru needs to be put out to pasture and replaced. My life will somehow continue if I don't get the phone this friday . And guess what - COFFEE IS FREAKING HOT!!!!!

 

[EBone12355]

Talk about first world problems.

 

[soupcan]

First come, first serve folks. Just because you're already in the upgrade program doesn't give you premium access to a new iPhone every time.

What a massive joke.

 

[nikhsub1]

LOL! People need their iPhones, they're like crack!

 

[justperry]

I want it and want it NOW.

 

[its93rc]

This gave me a good laugh before my 2-hour class. I mean just...no. haha

 

[Mlrollin91]

This is just stupid. Why must lawyers continue to do shady nonsense. Every time I tell people I'm in law school they think I'm 'scum' and going to do this type of nonsense.

I would never take a case like this!

 

[AtheistP3ace]

Seems legit. /s

 

[creediddy]

The people who bought iPhone's are just like us. Get in line and stop whining!!!

 

[eddie24]

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

The suing culture in America is embarrassingly out of control. It stinks.

 

[whbunn]

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

Such a frivolous law suit, geez!

 

[monty77]

I'm sorry, but that is rediculous.

Yes and no. If you signed up purely to get your upgrade after 12 payments, but in fact you end up paying 13 to get the same upgrade that's not really OK is it?

 

[HiVolt]

Jeez. This is quick.

I'm sure Apple will make it right and the people will get their phones and will probably get a credit of some sort or an App Store or iTunes credit, etc.

 

[Tycho24]

People talk about lawyers being sleazy...
God, these scumbags make the sleaziest lawyer look like a saint!

 

[Kkspire]

Boston law firm Block & Leviton today announced it has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple on behalf of iPhone Upgrade customers who are dissatisfied with how Apple handled iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus pre-orders last Friday.

When customers who participate in the iPhone Upgrade Program went to pre-order an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, they were forced to reserve a device from a local Apple retail store rather than being able to make a traditional online purchase. Many retail stores did not have sufficient stock to meet demand, leaving some customers unable to select the model, color, or storage capacity they desired.

Many iPhone Upgrade Program members were unhappy with the ordering process and an inability to reserve a desired iPhone for launch day. Apple has responded to customer frustration and has been collecting customer information to attempt to get customers their iPhones as soon as possible. Apple's efforts have not, however, prevented today's lawsuit, which claims iPhone Upgrade Program users will face future upgrade delays due to the situation.The lawsuit asks Apple to reimburse iPhone Upgrade members who are forced to make extra payments while waiting for a new iPhone, make upgrade members eligible for a 2017 iPhone in September regardless of upgrade delays, and seeks to require Apple to make all of its iPhone inventory available to upgrade members.

Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, arguably designed for the company's staunchest fans, allows customers to upgrade to a new iPhone each year. Customers can upgrade after as little as six months, so long as they have made 12 iPhone payments and trade in the iPhone in question when upgrading.

Article Link: Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over iPhone Upgrade Program Woes

What a joke. If that's the case no one should have an upgrade. Sorry you have to pay for your equipment while you wait for the next one you want to splurge on. What a joke.

 

[AllergyDoc]

I hope the judge throws it out in less time than it took to write it.

 

[T-Friz]

Remember when class action lawsuits were filed as a result of real problems caused by things like pharmaceuticals or asbestos? Granted, I got a Sept. 16th delivery date so I guess I can't complain, but still, this seems like an over-reaction

 

[Gooberton]

Little cry babies lawyers want there iPhone fast. They will lose this easy. You don't like it get an android little babies

 

[Nueve]

wahh wahh, sue happy nation.

 

[JM]

Yes and no. If you signed up purely to get your upgrade after 12 payments, but in fact you end up paying 13 to get the same upgrade that's not really OK is it?

Yes.

Sound ridiculous: yes.

Valid financial argument: yes.

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

The growing culture of impatience.

 

[BigPrince]

First come, first serve folks. Just because you're already in the upgrade program doesn't give you premium access to a new iPhone every time.

What a massive joke.

I think the problem was no one expected to sign up for this program and be treated second class.

There were tons of people who woke up early on pre-order day and were denied the opportunity that every other purchaser had who also woke up early on pre-order day.