Apple Hit With Class-Action Lawsuit Over Failing 27" iMac Displays

[Kaos2K]

If you need more visually info of the exact part that is causing all of these issues you can find it here: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18729288#18729288

As you see, that connector is defective and the only way to fix permanently is by soldering the cables directly to the LED circuitry board or by replacing the entire LCD display. The first option is difficult and the second one, expensive (Up to $700 for a new LCD). As some of you said, Apple should started a recall but they didn’t, the customers were on their own to get it fixed…

 

[BreuerEditor]

How can you find out if your display could be affected? Obviously the physical discoloration/issues but I'm asking how to tell if it's an LG display that could potentially be affected.

Late '12 27" iMac

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Dell offers 3 year ON SITE warranties STANDARD on most of their business line desktops and laptops.

While Apple products have a reputation of being the BEST QUALITY products you can buy, why doesn't Apple stand behind them with a 3 year warranty?

Why is a $1999 iMac Applecare $169, but a $1999 Macbook Pro Applecare is $349, more than TWICE THE PRICE? Both are $1999, shouldn't the "extortion-care" cost the same? While a Macbook is portable and more prone to possible damage, Applecare does not cover damage so what's the difference?

 

[TrashCanBin]

Dell offers 3 year ON SITE warranties STANDARD on most of their business line desktops and laptops.

While Apple products have a reputation of being the BEST QUALITY products you can buy, why doesn't Apple stand behind them with a 3 year warranty?

Why is a $1999 iMac Applecare $169, but a $1999 Macbook Pro Applecare is $349, more than TWICE THE PRICE? Both are $1999, shouldn't the "extortion-care" cost the same? While a Macbook is portable and more prone to possible damage, Applecare does not cover damage so what's the difference?

They calculate the additional abuse a notebook could take, but do not cover it. That's rape.

 

[0x0x0x0]

No, you didn't. You're making a different point.

No I wasn't.

 

[Kaos2K]

How can you find out if your display could be affected? Obviously the physical discoloration/issues but I'm asking how to tell if it's an LG display that could potentially be affected.

Late '12 27" iMac

You can't until it happens. When you see half of your screen dim, you will notice.

Check this out: http://youtu.be/mLnyDF6AjM4

https://discussions.apple.com/message/18729288#18729288

 

[FirstNTenderbit]

He's basically trying to say regardless of when the guy's warranty expired - it shouldn't matter. It expired. If you're getting yours replaced after warranty, even if it's 6 months after why is it that I can't get mine 6 years after?

Make sense?

No, it doesn't make sense. I completely get the point he's trying to make. Warranty over. End of story. Bad analogy is STILL bad. Bad hyperbolic analogy is worse. It's funny, as a community, we are abso-freaking-lutely horrible with analogies of any kind, but our car analogies... MR has probably the worst car analogies of any community on the internet. As a group we should all vow to stop forever

On topic: Reasonable expectation. Does this guy have a reasonable expectation his purchase will be viable for more than 18 months? I think he does. Could he have chosen a better way to express his displeasure? Maybe. I don't think there's a single person on this forum who thinks a computer should be dead in under 2 years.

 

[Nevaborn]

Find out what a class action lawsuit is and it might make more sense. He's not after ALL the money for himself.

Says a lot that you can justify this by using the defence that he doesn't want all the money for himself. He bought a product that broke outside of warranty and is sulking like a spoilt brat who thinks the world owes him something so is now suing Apple for $5,000,000 .... this makes no sense and should never be allowed to move forward.

It is childish and motivated solely by greed. If he is really upset and wants to make a real difference to all those that lost out then he should be campaigning for better consumer protection for products and increase the length of consumer product warranties within his country.

But screw making life better for everyone for generations to come, no lets instead get our names in the press and make some money for ourselves.

It's rubbish and any country with a half decent legal system that wasent a joke would not even entertain such nonsense. I would actually have him charged with wasting time and slap him with all the hefty legal bills for his unfound smearing of Apples public image.

----------

No, it doesn't make sense. I completely get the point he's trying to make. Warranty over. End of story. Bad analogy is STILL bad. Bad hyperbolic analogy is worse. It's funny, as a community, we are abso-freaking-lutely horrible with analogies of any kind, but our car analogies... MR has probably the worst car analogies of any community on the internet. As a group we should all vow to stop forever

On topic: Reasonable expectation. Does this guy have a reasonable expectation his purchase will be viable for more than 18 months? I think he does. Could he have chosen a better way to express his displeasure? Maybe. I don't think there's a single person on this forum who thinks a computer should be dead in under 2 years.

We all agree it should last for many years and if he had approached Apple normally seeing as they have previously replaced customers models then I am sure they would have taken care of him, however he choose to create a fuss and in my opinion looks really stupid and petty. Products should last a long time but that is YOUR EXPECTATION, Apple makes no promises or guarantees past its warranty of one year... if it breaks within that they will fix it for you if outside that then they have fulfilled their obligation.

It really annoys me this as Apple have amazing customer service, I have never used them for hardware but have a few times for Itunes and app store problems or queries and they have ALWAYS been really helpful and polite and understanding and easy to understand which is a miracle these days. Also they actually do reply within a day which for a company of Apples size is phenomenal when I have contacted other large companies and havent heard anything back for a week or more, yet within one day I get personal response thats isnt from a script that always manages to solve my issue.

I shouldnt get so worked up over it but when a company actually tries to have good customer service and would probably of sorted something for the guy if he had tried and instead pulls a stunt like this then it just muddies the water for the rest of us and possible future relations we as consumers may have with Apple.

 

[TrashCanBin]

just muddies the water for the rest of us and possible future relations we as consumers may have with Apple.

Yeah just keep buying expensive stuff and ****. that's some relationship isn't it ...

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

I'm amazed how some people here are so against this guys actions and see it as such a black and white, out-of-warranty issue based on greed.

The fact is, this isn't some random guy with some random complaint that his iMac died (in his opinion) prematurely. We all have had something die just outside the warranty. Sure, it's frustrating.

But this isn't the issue. The issue is, LOTS of iMac owners of this particular model year iMac have this problem. 320 pages on the forum, plus countless others that don't do forums. This isn't some random failure, it's a built-in defect that affects the expected longevity of the product.

Has Apple stepped up and sent out notices to all the registered owners of this model, offering them an extended warranty on the display? Has Apple said ANYTHING about this problem?

The point is, had Apple been proactive on this issue, it probably wouldn't have gone this far, but hey, with Apple being short on cash, they can't possibly afford to extend these owners warranties.

 

[TrashCanBin]

I'm amazed how some people here are so against this guys actions and see it as such a black and white, out-of-warranty issue based on greed.

The fact is, this isn't some random guy with some random complaint that his iMac died (in his opinion) prematurely. We all have had something die just outside the warranty. Sure, it's frustrating.

But this isn't the issue. The issue is, LOTS of iMac owners of this particular model year iMac have this problem. 320 pages on the forum, plus countless others that don't do forums. This isn't some random failure, it's a built-in defect that affects the expected longevity of the product.

Has Apple stepped up and sent out notices to all the registered owners of this model, offering them an extended warranty on the display? Has Apple said ANYTHING about this problem?

The point is, had Apple been proactive on this issue, it probably wouldn't have gone this far, but hey, with Apple being short on cash, they can't possibly afford to extend these owners warranties.

Indeed.

 

[Binarymix]

Dell offers 3 year ON SITE warranties STANDARD on most of their business line desktops and laptops.

While Apple products have a reputation of being the BEST QUALITY products you can buy, why doesn't Apple stand behind them with a 3 year warranty?

Why is a $1999 iMac Applecare $169, but a $1999 Macbook Pro Applecare is $349, more than TWICE THE PRICE? Both are $1999, shouldn't the "extortion-care" cost the same? While a Macbook is portable and more prone to possible damage, Applecare does not cover damage so what's the difference?

Yeah how about $279 for a $1000 macbook air ($CAD)

Extended Warranty over 1/4 of the units price. Insanity.

That's why I won't be getting it.

But like you said, $200 for my $3000 iMac.

 

[jordanm86]

Is this guy joking? That stinks his monitor is not working well but it is well past the warranty period.

The A/C on my 4 year old car isn't blowing as cold now as it used to when new - guess I should sue BMW for 10 million lol.

America and these law suit laws seriously need an overhaul so frivolousness can be cut off at the source before tying up court time.

An A/C system uses gases to cool, over time these gases require changing/topping up... it's a consumable so not really relevant to the situation.

Also, as it's a class-action lawsuit looking for $5million, he is not looking to gain $5million for himself, but to be distributed/cover the replacement costs of all of those affected.

 

[Slow Programmer]

A computer less than 2 years old dying is frustrating for sure... Just make a big fuss at your local Apple store and you'll get free stuff even out of warranty. All these lawsuits are just disproportionate. Nobody sues Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc for early failures. (Well except for that exploding Dell battery).

Just because you paid $1000+ for a computer doesn't mean you can hold the manufacturer for long-term use. I paid $10,000+ for a car but I will not be asking that manufacturer to keep my car running for free past its warranty.

Besides, the guy was offered a out-of-warranty repair, which in itself is above and beyond the tech industry. Ever called Dell for out-of-warranty repair? Even if you want to pay them money they just laugh at your face.

Everyone just wants a buck from Apple's riches.

Over the years I have gotten several checks from Apple as a fallout from these class action suits even though I never had an issue with ANY of my products. Too bad I don't own an iMac, or I could have received free money again.

Considering what you just wrote, did you cash the checks Apple sent you?

 

[Binarymix]

I'm amazed how some people here are so against this guys actions and see it as such a black and white, out-of-warranty issue based on greed.

The fact is, this isn't some random guy with some random complaint that his iMac died (in his opinion) prematurely. We all have had something die just outside the warranty. Sure, it's frustrating.

But this isn't the issue. The issue is, LOTS of iMac owners of this particular model year iMac have this problem. 320 pages on the forum, plus countless others that don't do forums. This isn't some random failure, it's a built-in defect that affects the expected longevity of the product.

Has Apple stepped up and sent out notices to all the registered owners of this model, offering them an extended warranty on the display? Has Apple said ANYTHING about this problem?

The point is, had Apple been proactive on this issue, it probably wouldn't have gone this far, but hey, with Apple being short on cash, they can't possibly afford to extend these owners warranties. :roll eyes:

Agreed.

The 2006 iMacs had graphics card failures, many shortly after the one year warranty period. Mine failed at ~20 months.

Apple didn't say anything about these issues publicly.

However, when I had a problem with my newly purchased iMac, and told them about my 2006 iMac it was replacing, they fixed it free of charge at almost 2 years out of warranty and told me it was a known issue.

Needless to say I sent the new iMac back for a refund, and the 2006 iMac is still working perfectly to this day (at my mothers).

So, moral of the story is, call Apple first and complain. They might just fix it for free even if it doesn't fall under a replacement program.

If that fails, hope for a class-action lawsuit to pop up, to force Apples hand a little.

 

[The Monkey]

I'm amazed how some people here are so against this guys actions and see it as such a black and white, out-of-warranty issue based on greed.

The fact is, this isn't some random guy with some random complaint that his iMac died (in his opinion) prematurely. We all have had something die just outside the warranty. Sure, it's frustrating.

But this isn't the issue. The issue is, LOTS of iMac owners of this particular model year iMac have this problem. 320 pages on the forum, plus countless others that don't do forums. This isn't some random failure, it's a built-in defect that affects the expected longevity of the product.

Has Apple stepped up and sent out notices to all the registered owners of this model, offering them an extended warranty on the display? Has Apple said ANYTHING about this problem?

The point is, had Apple been proactive on this issue, it probably wouldn't have gone this far, but hey, with Apple being short on cash, they can't possibly afford to extend these owners warranties.

Agree. It's astounding. I attribute it to a few things. First, intellectual laziness and a complete and utter lack of reading comprehension--few people seem to understand that the $5MM is an aggregate total for all those similarly situated (i.e., a class action). Second, an absolutely childish understanding of our legal system and how we allocate and apportion responsibility and accountability. Third, and perhaps most depressingly, generations now of US citizens who have been successfully duped into thinking patently absurd things like their interests are aligned with corporations such as Apple. It is one hell of a magic trick and would be pretty funny if it didn't have such disastrous consequences. I had thought that most posters would have deeper insight and would be somewhat immune to such simplistic and superficial thought. Alas, wrong again.

 

[KPOM]

A completely efficient free market is an unrealizable ideal. Regulation is necessary to eliminate inefficiencies within real markets.

Regulations often create or exacerbate the very inefficiencies they are supposed to "correct" or prevent. The problem is that regulators are no better than anyone else at identifying inefficiencies. 2008 should have put an end to that notion. Even when "deregulated," the financial industry is the most regulated industry in the world, and yet every 10-20 years we have a major crisis that the regulators don't foresee.

Basic laws about merchantability, etc. are sufficient. Mandating warranty periods for complex electronics is micromanaging.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

An A/C system uses gases to cool, over time these gases require changing/topping up... it's a consumable so not really relevant to the situation.

Also, as it's a class-action lawsuit looking for $5million, he is not looking to gain $5million for himself, but to be distributed/cover the replacement costs of all of those affected.

A bad "car analogy" from sp3k0psv3t for sure. A better one would have been that his A/C system stopped working after his 3 year warranty, requiring a $2000 replacement system be installed (probably more than $2000 considering BMW). When he looked online, he found a majority of owners of his same-year BMW were also reporting A/C failures.

I wonder if sp3k0psv3t would be so quick to hand over $2000 to BMW to replace his A/C under these circumstances or might have argued that the A/C system is defective and should be replaced for free? Hmmm....

 

[Nightarchaon]

Sucks for him, but I don't see how he has a case given that it's outside of the warranty period.

Warranty period in the UK longer than the stores would have you believe, purchasing a device like an iMac you can expect to be covered under the sales of goods act 1984 that protects your purchase for a "reasonable expected lifespan" , i have had Macbook Pros and iMacs as well as other consumer electronics replaced after 4 years thanks to this gem of a law.

one can expect a £2000 + piece of self proclaimed "high End" consumer equipment to last more than 24 months (i have old £400 laptops that are still running after 7 years) and the law, at least in the UK, agrees. Companies like apple and other high street retailers like to hide behind consumer ignorance, and quite often event he floor staff believe they are right and you are wrong, Apple Care, in the UK at least, is a waste of money, your covered for everything but accidental damage under UK consumer law anyway.

 

[bpcookson]

Glad you liked that.

 

[kaldezar]

Sucks for him, but I don't see how he has a case given that it's outside of the warranty period.

If he lived in the uk he would have a statutory SIX year warranty!

 

[jordanm86]

A bad "car analogy" from sp3k0psv3t for sure. A better one would have been that his A/C system stopped working after his 3 year warranty, requiring a $2000 replacement system be installed (probably more than $2000 considering BMW). When he looked online, he found a majority of owners of his same-year BMW were also reporting A/C failures.

I wonder if sp3k0psv3t would be so quick to hand over $2000 to BMW to replace his A/C under these circumstances or might have argued that the A/C system is defective and should be replaced for free? Hmmm....

That's why I'm pretty happy to be in the UK.

I have purchased Applecare for my iMac which is on the way but UK consumer law protects buyers for 6 years against manufacturing defect/faulty good (though with this the burden of proof lies on the buyer).

I chose to still buy Applecare as I imagine it is a lot easier/less hassle to resolve any issues should they arise.

 

[RDeckard]

Originally Posted by bmunge
Sucks for him, but I don't see how he has a case given that it's outside of the warranty period.

I love how you'd accept that, like Apple's bitch.

@Shaenuk -- so... (and let's forget about Apple products for a second) when every product you've ever bought fails after the warranty period expires, you complain to the manufacturer and demand them to fix it?

How's that working out for you?

 

[RDeckard]

Dell offers 3 year ON SITE warranties STANDARD on most of their business line desktops and laptops.

While Apple products have a reputation of being the BEST QUALITY products you can buy, why doesn't Apple stand behind them with a 3 year warranty?

Why doesn't Apple match Dell warranties?

The same reason Honda doesn't match Hyundai warranties. It's called the free market. No one is forcing you to buy a Honda, Hyndai, Apple, or Dell. Buy what works for you.

Hyundai:
5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
10-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/assurance/america-best-warranty.aspx

Honda:
3-Year/36,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5-Year/60,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.
http://automobiles.honda.com/information/owner-resources.aspx

Now, why don't you go over to the Honda forums RIGHT NOW and ask them why they don't match Hyundai's and stand behind their vehicles with a 5-year warranty?

Because you probably don't care.

And if you don't care about Apple, then why are you posting here?

All you trolls (regardless of "brand hate") -- think about that for a second. Then again, "thinking for a second" is probably too much to ask from you.

 

[pondosinatra]

My old school iMac has been great for the past 4 years.

And it's non-glossy to boot...