Worldwide, all Apple hardware comes with a one-year warranty. On most products, that warranty can be extended to 2 or 3 years with AppleCare. However, in the European Union, the law requires manufacturers cover goods for two years.
Consumer groups in 11 countries -- comparable to Consumer Reports in the United States -- have sent a letters to national regulators asking for action against Apple regarding its warranty practices, reports Bloomberg.
“Consumers should not be misled and confused as to fundamental EU consumer rights because a company wants to sell their commercial warranty services,” Monique Goyens, director general of the European Consumer Organization, said in the statement. Goyens, who said consumers in the EU are entitled to a guarantee of at least two years, added the case is “even more important” as it concerns a market leader, whose practices have a “wide impact.”
Late last year, Apple was fined $1.2 million by Italian regulators over allegations that the company hadn't adequately disclosed the standard two-year warranty that is required by Italian law. Apple added disclosures to its Italian online store to address the court's concerns, but those have since been taken down. The appeal is due to be decided in Rome tomorrow.
Top Rated Comments
It is not a right to own electronics. It is a right to expect a product to do the job it was advertised to do. Just because Apple sell luxary electronics, doesn't change the law, that the product should do what they said it should do, for a reasonable time.
I think you need to learn how to read first, buddy.
Advertising 1 year warranty is actually pretty pathetic for a "premium" company like Apple. 3 years would be appropriate. Eizo even gives 5 years.
Not going to happen. There are a number of reasons why Apple keep their prices pretty much in line across the globe. If there are additional costs such as this it will just be worked in to a higher price for everyone.
Don't get why so many outside the EU think this is a bad thing. Apple charge a premium for their products, expecting them to last more than 12 months isn't asking much. If it does become a problem Apple always have the option of increasing the quality of their product to match the price tag.
The EU warranty law protects the consumers, it's everyone outside the EU that is getting shafted by Apple's 12 month warranty.