Three more lawfirms join class action over 'touch disease' affecting iPhone 6
An additional three lawfirms are now participating in a class action suit first launched in August, which accused Apple of failing to acknowledge or do free repairs for a so-called "touch disease" affecting some owners of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
The case has also picked up several new plaintiffs in the process, laywer Richard McCune told Motherboard. Almost 10,000 people have contacted his firm -- McCuneWright -- looking to participate in the suit, which is being handled through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The scope of the action could expand even further, since in a separate but related lawsuit in Utah, Apple filed for not just "an extension of time to respond to the Complaint," but a merger with the California case.
People affected by the "touch disease" have found their iPhones developing flickering gray bands and/or a gradual reduction in touch sensitivity. This could be linked to a lack of structural reinforcement, allowing touch controller chips to come loose from the logic board even under normal bending. One of the key improvements of the iPhone 6s was the use of 7000-series aluminum, drastically reducing the phone's tendency to bend.
A number of current and former Genius technicians informed Motherboard that Apple is aware of the problem and even using an official retail protocol, despite the fact that it's forcing customers to pay for new or refurbished iPhones. The refurbished phones can potentially suffer the exact same problems as replaced ones.
The case has also picked up several new plaintiffs in the process, laywer Richard McCune told Motherboard. Almost 10,000 people have contacted his firm -- McCuneWright -- looking to participate in the suit, which is being handled through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The scope of the action could expand even further, since in a separate but related lawsuit in Utah, Apple filed for not just "an extension of time to respond to the Complaint," but a merger with the California case.
People affected by the "touch disease" have found their iPhones developing flickering gray bands and/or a gradual reduction in touch sensitivity. This could be linked to a lack of structural reinforcement, allowing touch controller chips to come loose from the logic board even under normal bending. One of the key improvements of the iPhone 6s was the use of 7000-series aluminum, drastically reducing the phone's tendency to bend.
A number of current and former Genius technicians informed Motherboard that Apple is aware of the problem and even using an official retail protocol, despite the fact that it's forcing customers to pay for new or refurbished iPhones. The refurbished phones can potentially suffer the exact same problems as replaced ones.
Comments
It isn't just about the phone when a person gets the phone replaced and then the replacement also exhibits the same problem. Sorry but you need to buy lottery tickets or something because you've got a way with making unlikely things happen. I know a lot of people with iPhone 6 and 6s series phones and I've never seen this issue. I've replaced plenty of cracked screens so it's not like they treat with the most care or never have issues. This is BS.
It's obviously not BS to those who have the issue. Apple should just replace the phone for affected customers and be done with it. One reason we pay a premium for Apple products is the customer service.
Folks, it's not BS and it's not a matter of sitting on it or being an idiot. As a 81 year old retired telecom executive, my phone receives good care and is not carried in my rear pocket. Believe me, the "touch disease" is real. IMO the argument is whether or not Apple has a design weakness and knowingly sold defective phones. The warranty is what it is -- one year unless extended. That was known when we bought.
Regardless, I've been an Apple product user for 34 years and am not about to jump over to Samsung!
If you do not buy the extra warranty stuff like this can happen.
I've had Apple replace stuff for free even when they did not have to.
Phone issues typically get a replacement without any charge. But this was with AppleCare Plus. It is definetely worth it for the peace of mind during the 2 years that most people use their phones.
I hope Apple receives an inconvenience fee for putting up with frivolous lawsuits.
There re is no "touch disease." But there is a such thing as lying and cheating.
If it was a real issue, there would have been free replacements. There's a reason there hasn't been.
...riiiiiight...
The thin phones bend under the person's weight and break solder connections, and in some cases produce 'touch disease' or other bend-related problems.
A certain percentage of pocket-challenged people will sit on their too-delicate phones and break them.
I think one solution is for Apple to build thicker, sturdier phones... with larger batteries... that will last longer between charging and also will not bend nor short circuit.
In Europe standard warranty is two years. Looking at how expensive an Apple product is I find it unbelievable that Apple only offers one year warranty in the US. Like they don't believe in their own product.
http://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/
and the general Consumer Law Rights page from Apple:
https://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/statutoryrights.html
Perhaps the US has some work to do.
I just had a TV replaced after 3+ years because of a manufacturing defect that the maker knew about but did not issue a recall.