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Apple Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over iPhone Upgrade Program Woes
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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27 months ago
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!!!!!
27 months ago
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.
What a massive joke.
27 months ago
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?
27 months ago
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.
27 months ago
I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.
The suing culture in America is embarrassingly out of control. It stinks.
27 months ago
I'm actually ok with this, since the iPhone Upgrade Program members that are shut out from getting the new phone in the first month have a financial impact.
Someone who purchased a 6s on launch day is eligible to upgrade after making 12 months worth of payments. If they are not allowed to purchase a phone until their 13th or 14th month of payments, they will not only have to pay those two payments, but will be forced to prepay another 1-2 months of payments if they want the next phone on launch week next year.
If Apple chooses to make it up to these users and allow an upgrade after less than 12 months of payments, the lawsuit is a moot point.
Someone who purchased a 6s on launch day is eligible to upgrade after making 12 months worth of payments. If they are not allowed to purchase a phone until their 13th or 14th month of payments, they will not only have to pay those two payments, but will be forced to prepay another 1-2 months of payments if they want the next phone on launch week next year.
If Apple chooses to make it up to these users and allow an upgrade after less than 12 months of payments, the lawsuit is a moot point.
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