Apple iPhone 3G Consumer Complaints Abound
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Touted for its speed, strength and performance, Apple released the iPhone 3G and its related 3G-bandwidth, in 2008 promising “twice the speed for half the price” as compared to the original iPhone. The “3G” stands for the third generation in mobile technology.
The new iPhone, advertised to the public as a mobile phone, iPod, and internet communications device capable of providing access to desktop email, web browsing, maps and searching now faces a lawsuit alleging that the device performs much slower than advertised and often connects to AT&T’s much slower Edge 2G protocol rather than the 3G broadband technology promised.
Users claim that they have experienced difficulty in making phone calls and finding good 3G reception resulting in dropped calls even in areas represented to provide excelled 3G coverage. Other lawsuits claim even more problems with the iPhone including short battery life, cracking of the phone casing, and an inability to send MMS messages.
Despite performance issues tied to the 3G iPhone, Apple has made millions of dollars since the phone was released. Apple has an exclusive agreement with AT&T, forcing consumers to select the AT&T network. AT&T requires new users to sign 2 year contracts, binding consumers to a fixed rate. After initial problems with iPhone reception were reported, an upgraded service plan was offered at an additional $10 a month.
In January 2009 a civil complaint, Walters et. al v. Apple Inc., was filed in United States District Court of Northern California, San Jose Division. The complaint alleges that Apple Inc. is conducting unlawful, fraudulent or unfair business practices, breaching express and implied warranties, and violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Apple’s marketing practices are specifically targeted in this lawsuit. The complaint refers to iPhone ads as a “campaign to lead consumers to believe that the iPhone 3G device would properly operate on AT&T’s related 3G bandwidth protocol and offer feaster data services.” However, the lawsuit claims Apple knew the AT&T network could not handle anticipated call volumes and could not perform on the 3G network as described.
This lawsuit claims Plaintiffs have suffered significant damages and seeks equitable relief, costs, and attorney’s fees. This class action potentially involves millions of consumers given that Apple sold 1 million iPhone 3G devices within the first week of its launch.
The Strom Law Firm is currently investigating these allegations for iPhone 3G customers in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Colorado. If you own an iPhone 3G and have experienced problems with its speed and reception, contact one of our defective products attorneys today.
Strom Law Firm is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina. Our firm proudly handles personal injury, criminal defense, defective products, class actions, pharmaceutical liability, toxic torts, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, workers compensation, social security, veteran's benefits, qui tam, predatory lending, tax investigations, business litigation, and wills and estates. Our lawyers proudly edit the Columbia, South Carolina Injury Board as well as the Strom Law Blog as a pro bono effort to provide the public valuable information. Our lawyers are licensed in: South Carolina, New York, and Georgia.