Apple Being Sued Over Phone-Switching iMessage Issue

[Nickerbocker]

Sad that it is taking a law suit to fix such a long standing issue. This may be an unintentional bug, but it directly damages folks who switch from an Apple product to a competing product. The fact that this bug happens to work in Apple's favor could be used against them in court as the reason why they haven't addressed it since it was known about from the beginning of the service.

All that it would take is Apple providing a web front end so that folks can login with their Apple ID, and un-list any phone numbers or email addresses associated with iMessages. It really doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

 

[aloshka]

Email and text only is the worse way to run your business. These message can get loss or delayed and do get lost and delayed...

Good idea, let's make businesses change their practice because of a bug in the system. If iPhone wont' make calls, I think businesses should stop receiving calls. Come on...

 

[poe diddley]

As much as i hate android, apple needs to fix this issue. It affects a lot of people. Sorry that it took a lawsuit to get a fire unde their arses. If they would have fixed it three years ago, no lawsuit.

 

[aloshka]

that would be valid if it was 1999.....but its 2014 and more and more people prefer to communicate via text messages, email, and other electronic messaging means. People are using voice calling less and less. Of course he uses voice as well but most clients prefer messaging so what can you do.

LOVE your signature.

 

[Zerilos]

While I don't blame people for being really upset, software developers are F'd if you can sue over bugs in the code.

 

[aloshka]

In general, do you know what iMessage did for texting at the time of release?

Why it was created? What benefits it gave to the consumer?

And, lastly, do you know the difference between SMS, MMS, iMessage?

Also, what happens with group texting?

(Sadly, I bet you don't know any of the answers... and, that is why you are where you are. Blaming Apple for user-error is preposterous.)

Also, you may help with this... what do you think Apple pom poms would look like???

Apple needs to disclose before you signup to use iMessages that: this is the last phone you will ever be able to receive text messages from unless you change your phone number. Also potentially that a new owner of you iPhone could be receiving your texts.

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…Users use iMessage (an Apple service that only works between iOS devices) and then are confused when they are no longer in the loop on their Android phone. That seems to be what the article says. Did they not understand that iMessage is a proprietary Apple platform for messaging?

The problem isn't the "loop". The problem is that 60% (or whatever marketshare) can no longer send you messages, AT ALL. If you never went Apple, that same 60% would still be able to send you texts.

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When I worked at Apple I just told those ignorant people to tell their friends to stop trying to send an iMessage to a non Apple device. Too many boneheads out there are using their Apple ID. Switch to sending to a phone number after starting a new conversation and it worked every time. This is a non-issue and there's no way these people will win this case.

So basically we have to tell ANYONE that has ever used an iPhone to not use iMessages, so that I can receive texts?

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This is a stupid lawsuit because there is a fix for this. Albeit not a well advertised fix. I have helped several people fix this and I don't even work for Apple so you can do this from outside the company. You just have to log into https://supportprofile.apple.com/ and disassociate the registered devices and eliminate the phone number in question from the account. Really not that hard. I do believe Apple should make this information readily available to those having this issue BUT there is a solution and this doesn't warrant a lawsuit. Too much hand holding needed these days.

Doesn't work. Multiple have done this. I even went as far as removing ALL my Apple devices, just in case. After 15 days, seemed to have cleared up on some iPhones and they properly sent text, but a lot text I still did not receive, until I could not take it anymore and had to go back to the iPhone.

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You own that phone number? So after you stop paying your service from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or whatever you have, that number is yours to keep and no one else can use it?

Yes, you can transfer it wherever you want. You can even reserve and leave it on hold until you can find a provider to take the number. Even AT&T states that DO NOT LOSE your number during any transfers because it's yours and cannot be restored once you lose ownership of it. So YES, my number.

 

[spinedoc77]

Here we go again. Sue, sue, sue. We're all responsible for our own actions - ditching an iPhone that was using a proprietary messaging system and moving to a completely different phone without taking steps to ensure a smooth transition is irresponsible and expecting Apple to wipe their backsides so they don't have to figure it out themselves is expecting too much. Changing devices from one manufacturer to another is going to get more involved as they become more powerful and fight it out with even more proprietary features - get informed, get involved and try to run two systems side by side for a while until you're happy all is well. I suppose Apple are paying the price for letting the general public loose with technology....

This is nuts, I can't believe someone would actually have a response like this. This is Apples fault, it's been clearly documented as an issue for quite a long time and there is a long history of users trying to get this fixed through Apple.

Let me ask you how to fix this? Especially in those of use who did turn off imessages on our iphones before we switched to android. What is the solution? Have you "figured it out" or have you become "informed" and "involved"? If so what solution have you gleaned from your hard work that the rest of us lazy sob's haven't gleaned? What is the consumer supposed to do if there is no solution, not even Apple themselves can fix this for the consumer.

Why should Apple be able to handicap the text message abilities of a cellular number with no ramifications? Especially in this era of number portability where it's the law to have your phone number promptly released so you can do whatever you want with it. If someone like AT&T refused to release your cellular number for no good reason they would face lawsuits and fines, why shouldn't Apple for not releasing your texting abilities?

 

[bluespark]

Only in the US you could actually win a retarded case like this.

Quite the opposite: The U.S. requires putative class representatives (the "plaintiff" here) to make a number of difficult showings before a class can be certified, a prerequisite to "winning." That's one reason why you often read about class action suits being filed, but only rarely read about them making it all the way to trial.

 

[aloshka]

Easy solution that Apple can implement:
When you have written the message you can hold the 'Send' button for 1 second and the option pops up 'Send as SMS'.

They should also add a feature that if you hold the screen for 3 seconds, it will text EVERYONE in your address book with instructions on how to hold for 1 second before they send text messages to you. Also explain that sometimes it reverts back to messages and that they have to keep doing this for about 45 days.

 

[fredaroony]

Very stupid lawsuit. It's either a bug or an honest mistake.

It's been going on since 2011 and you think it's an honest mistake? lol ok

 

[richwoodrocket]

Problem solved. Don't switch to android.

 

[jonnysods]

Wonder how much the person will get paid.

 

[fredaroony]

What a shock, a company with deep pockets that hasn't acted on a known issue that has gone on for 3 years is being sued.

Fixed that for you

 

[zone23]

Its funny people can never just admit it, yes its a problem.

Its real. It happens.

Should Apple get sued for it? Are they obligated to fix such a software glitch?

I would think so, since it can render another make of smartphone almost useless.

 

[spinedoc77]

Problem solved. Don't switch to android.

oohh look, no one has said that before in this thread.

 

[fredaroony]

Personally i dont think this has been willfully done. And i honestly dont believe Apple just "stopped" working on the problem. When you buy a cellphone you agree to the terms and conditions, which does not guarantee 100% reliability obviously, otherwise everyone could sue Apple for any little problem. I guess this is a delicate issue and up to the judges to decide if Apple is to be charged for not fixing the problem "fast enough" or not offering a fix at all. The reason i quoted this as retarded is because the user automatically assumes that Apple's service iMessages MUST have a functioning forwarding mechanism (to SMS). The service runs over the DATA plan and not over the TEXT (SMS plan), therefor, in my opinion, it excludes Apple's liability for failing to deliver a functioning 'trigger' from DATA to SMS. iMessages remains a service just like WhatsApp or KIK messenger etc., that rely on a data plan. If a person sends a TEXT to another person, he must make sure his TEXT is actually an SMS. I really dont see that Apple can be made accountable for failing to forward a DATA text to an SMS text

You really think Apple couldn't fix this after 3 years if they wanted to?

 

[zone23]

If Facebook or Twitter didn't work I bet it would be a different story.

 

[MaSx]

Only in the US you could actually win a retarded case like this.

This has been a real issue since 2011 and Apple never bother trying to fix it. And now that someone filed a lawsuit because of an ongoing issue since 2011 is apparently a retarded lawsuit. Apple fanboys never seize to amaze me. Retarded as they come.

 

[wovel]

Mine just shows a red exclamation and says could not send.

And you can click on that, select send as sms and then all the other messages go as sms....

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This is nuts, I can't believe someone would actually have a response like this. This is Apples fault, it's been clearly documented as an issue for quite a long time and there is a long history of users trying to get this fixed through Apple.

Let me ask you how to fix this? Especially in those of use who did turn off imessages on our iphones before we switched to android. What is the solution? Have you "figured it out" or have you become "informed" and "involved"? If so what solution have you gleaned from your hard work that the rest of us lazy sob's haven't gleaned? What is the consumer supposed to do if there is no solution, not even Apple themselves can fix this for the consumer.

Why should Apple be able to handicap the text message abilities of a cellular number with no ramifications? Especially in this era of number portability where it's the law to have your phone number promptly released so you can do whatever you want with it. If someone like AT&T refused to release your cellular number for no good reason they would face lawsuits and fines, why shouldn't Apple for not releasing your texting abilities?

If it is a problem, Apple should fix it. I am still not sure what the problem is. As others have pointed out, if an iMessage is not delivered, the sender is told fairly quickly. If they then click on the message they have the option to send as SMS. In my experience, at that point I am able to carry on a conversation through SMS without any further difficulties.

This is a minor inconvenience at the very worst. Certainly no lost messages or anything lawsuit worthy.

 

[zone23]

Wonder how much the person will get paid.

"The suit, seeking class-action status"

Source:
http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-lawsuit-iphones-dont-deliver-texts-to-android-2014-5

 

[Roessnakhan]

If it is a problem, Apple should fix it. I am still not sure what the problem is. As others have pointed out, if an iMessage is not delivered, the sender is told fairly quickly. If they then click on the message they have the option to send as SMS. In my experience, at that point I am able to carry on a conversation through SMS without any further difficulties.

This is a minor inconvenience at the very worst. Certainly no lost messages or anything lawsuit worthy.

Well in the case of my friend who did deactivate iMessage before switching to an Android phone and deregistering it from Support Profile, whenever I would message him the message would send as an iMessage (not error out), but it would just essentially be delivered nowhere. He had to call AppleCare to have them remove that phone number's association, which led to more headaches because they couldn't very his identity with the code they sent to his Apple device, because he no longer had it.

 

[HenryDJP]

but it's a bug that apple hasn't acted on. no matter your stance or favoritism toward or not regarding apple, they are obligated to fix the issue. the phone number does not belong to apple, if someone moves on from the apple ecosystem and apple is making it so people can't use their phone number to the full extent, they should fix it. the fact they haven't lends themselves to be sued.

Your post has ZERO to do with anything I said. I simply said it's stupid to sue them. Yes, Apple should fix it but don't tell me dude that I'm showing favoritism for Apple. So many people here think Apple has this secret agenda to screw them over purposely and almost every time it's in their heads.

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Why does it matter if it's a bug or an honest mistake? Apple has left it unresolved for a long time, and that's a problem.

I just love posts like yours. Funny how over the past 3 years I have never seen anyone on MR complain about this bug. When MR puts up a news article many people here act like they were greatly affected. :roll eyes:

Yes, Apple needs to fix this but they aren't out to get you so relax.

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It's been going on since 2011 and you think it's an honest mistake? lol ok

Yeah, cuz big bad Apple wants nothing more than to screw you over and force you to stay on the iPhone.

I just love this forum. When it's someone here that has done something such as drop their iPad or iPhone or damage the keyboard on their Macbook by spilling water on it then they come here and cry saying, "It was an honest mistake, I didn't purposely do it and I think Apple should replace it".

When Apple does the wrong thing some people here think it's okay for someone to just sue them. Okay so this issue has been going on for a while now. So has many other issues with OS X and iOS. Not everything gets fixed when we want them. Yesterday's Mac OS X update still didn't fix a few things people have been asking for since the last 3 versions of OS X. But let's sue over that.

I give Apple the benefit of the doubt because they are humans running the company. Maybe you and few others need to remember that.

 

[gotluck]

I just love posts like yours. Funny how over the past 3 years I have never seen anyone on MR complain about this bug. When MR puts up a news article many people here act like they were greatly affected. :roll eyes:

Yes, Apple needs to fix this but they aren't out to get you so relax.

I hear you but if you haven't heard about this you haven't really been listening.

It hasn't effected me personally and ive swapped my sim a handfull of times , but certainly heard of it.

 

[pubwvj]

How odd.
You stop using the Apple product.
The Apple product now doesn't work for you.
Oh, wait. You aren't using the Apple product!
Of course it doesn't do anything for you.
If you want it to work you need to use it.

If you keep poking your finger in your eye it will keep hurting.

 

[C DM]

Your post has ZERO to do with anything I said. I simply said it's stupid to sue them. Yes, Apple should fix it but don't tell me dude that I'm showing favoritism for Apple. So many people here think Apple has this secret agenda to screw them over purposely and almost every time it's in their heads.

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I just love posts like yours. Funny how over the past 3 years I have never seen anyone on MR complain about this bug. When MR puts up a news article many people here act like they were greatly affected. :roll eyes:

Yes, Apple needs to fix this but they aren't out to get you so relax.

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Yeah, cuz big bad Apple wants nothing more than to screw you over and force you to stay on the iPhone.

I just love this forum. When it's someone here that has done something such as drop their iPad or iPhone or damage the keyboard on their Macbook by spilling water on it then they come here and cry saying, "It was an honest mistake, I didn't purposely do it and I think Apple should replace it".

When Apple does the wrong thing some people here think it's okay for someone to just sue them. Okay so this issue has been going on for a while now. So has many other issues with OS X and iOS. Not everything gets fixed when we want them. Yesterday's Mac OS X update still didn't fix a few things people have been asking for since the last 3 versions of OS X. But let's sue over that.

I give Apple the benefit of the doubt because they are humans running the company. Maybe you and few others need to remember that.

Sounds like you haven't been keeping up as much as you think you have. There have been complaints about this.

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How odd.
You stop using the Apple product.
The Apple product now doesn't work for you.
Oh, wait. You aren't using the Apple product!
Of course it doesn't do anything for you.
If you want it to work you need to use it.

If you keep poking your finger in your eye it will keep hurting.

The stranger part is that people somehow aren't getting what the actual problem is and then commenting on something that's not related to the problem.

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And you can click on that, select send as sms and then all the other messages go as sms....

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If it is a problem, Apple should fix it. I am still not sure what the problem is. As others have pointed out, if an iMessage is not delivered, the sender is told fairly quickly. If they then click on the message they have the option to send as SMS. In my experience, at that point I am able to carry on a conversation through SMS without any further difficulties.

This is a minor inconvenience at the very worst. Certainly no lost messages or anything lawsuit worthy.

Yeah, make sure that everyone uses a workaround without actually solving the problem. Hey, the car you bought doesn't work anymore because of some issue the manufacturer introduced but they don't have to really fix it since you can easily take the bus and get wherever you want to go, right?