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AppleCare and AppleCare+ covers much more than you may have thought
Extended warranties get a bad reputation for a good reason, since lots of them are ripoffs. They cost too much money for coverage that's either limited, or just not useful for the amount of time the warranty covers. Still they have their uses. You probably don't need one on your refrigerator, but unless you're made of money, it's a wise idea to get one for your major Apple products. Almost every Mac user knows AppleCare+ covers repairs for accidental damage to the computers, tablets and smartphones you've purchased the plan for. (Correction: AppleCare doesn't cover accidental damage for computers. Only AppleCare+ for iOS devices covers these issues.) There is a minimal cost to replace broken iOS products, but it's significantly less than buying a new replacement. Of course, that basic coverage may not be enough to sell you on AppleCare+, but there's more to the service than just replacing cracked iPhone screens. The most immediately useful feature of AppleCare+ for all users is the service coverage for important accessories. iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users with coverage are entitled to replacements for their USB chargers and cables, including EarPods should they glitch out during your two years of coverage. Sweaty joggers take note -- your service plan can help keep you in tunes once you've drowned your first pair of EarPods. MacBook Pro users will be happy to discover that their power adaptors are covered under regular AppleCare. If you purchase an Apple display along with your new MacPro or a Mac Mini, that display is also covered under your AppleCare warranty. All of these things add up. New EarPods are $29, while a new MacBook Pro charger will set you back $79. When you add that extra value to the money you'll save on repairs, AppleCare becomes more than just another extended warranty. Beyond the physical help, AppleCare also provides users with 7:00AM to 10:00PM phone support. If you've bought an elderly relative a new iPad and don't have time to explain it to them, or perhaps you're just having issues setting up your new Mac Pro, then help is just a phone call away. We understand the cynicism that surrounds buying an extended warranty -- we really do -- but Apple products are too expensive to leave to chance. Perhaps it now helps to know that the hard-earned dollars you spend on AppleCare also covers replacement of those expensive chargers and provides telephone support. Sometimes it pays to be a cynic when it comes to extended warranties for vacuum cleaners or blenders, but AppleCare+ provides exactly what is advertised, plus a little more you may not have known about. Correction: The AppleCare phone number is not 24/7. We have updated the story with the hotline's proper hours.
Australian watchdog forces Apple to offer 24-month warranties as standard
Apple's had its hand slapped over its product warranties more times than it cares to remember. In its latest brush with competition regulators, the company has been hit with a court order from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) following claims it was misleading customers over their rights to a replacement, refund or repair on faulty products. Similar to its actions in Europe, the ACCC alleges that staff incorrectly applied the company's own warranty policies, including its 14-day return policy and 12-month manufacturer warranty, instead of guarantees required by Australian consumer law. The ACCC says Apple has agreed to bring its return and repair policies in line with local laws and will now provide consumers with coverage for a minimum of 24 months -- like it does in Europe and other parts of the world. It's not the first time Apple has had run-ins with the ACCC either, last year it was fined AU$2.29 million ($2 million) for "deliberately" misleading customers over the 4G capabilities of its new iPad. Australian customers will soon be able to visit a new webpage on the Apple Store which clarifies the differences between the company's own policies and those set out by law, putting an end to warranty confusion once and for all.
Customers can initiate screen sharing with AppleCare reps via support site
Apple has made a slight -- but welcome -- change to how screen sharing works when a customer engages with an AppleCare representative. Previously, the rep could initiate a screen share if she or he thought it would help resolve the customer's issue more easily. The AppleCare representative would have the customer download a file, which would then enable them to share their screen. Now, however, a customer can initiate screen sharing and the AppleCare representative must comply even if they don't believe sharing the screen will help resolve the customer's issue. The screen sharing tool is only available for live telephone calls and cannot be used while chatting with an AppleCare representative via the web. Users who choose the phone option on support.apple.com can directly download the software needed for screen sharing right on the page: Share your screen with Apple Support You can download a small, temporary application and we will be able to see your screen during the support session. The download is automatic if we are calling you now, or follow the link in your confirmation email for scheduled support calls. If there is anything that you don't want Apple to see on your screen, remove it from view before your session begins. This session will be recorded for quality purposes. See the screen sharing terms & conditions for more information. Screen sharing is not required by Apple and you can end the session at any time.
Daily Update for November 7, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Daily Update for October 30, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Apple opens new AppleCare repair center in Pennsylvania
If you're on the East Coast or in the Midwest and your Apple product gets damaged while under its AppleCare warranty, there's a good chance you'll get it repaired a lot faster now. That's because Apple has opened up its second AppleCare repair center in the United States. As 9to5Mac notes, the new repair center is located in Carlisle, Pa. According to public records, it measures a whopping 200,000 square feet with another 2,500 square feet for offices. Before the opening of the Pennsylvania repair center, virtually all other AppleCare repairs -- whether from Genius Bars or home users sending in their products -- took place in Apple's Elk Grove, Calif., center. That meant at least a day in transit for many defective devices from the East Coast and Midwest. Now that Apple has a second repair center on the opposite coast, repairs in all parts of the country could speed up.
AppleCare+ purchasers can now get repairs and replacements while traveling abroad
If you've purchased AppleCare+ for your iPad, iPod or iPhone, you can now get repairs and replacements while you're traveling abroad -- as long as Apple sells AppleCare+ in the country you are in. AppleCare+ for iOS devices extends the limited warranty on those devices to two years from the original purchase date. It also allows the owner up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, with each incident costing an additional service fee of US$29-79 per device for repair or replacement, depending on what iOS device you have. The news that AppleCare+ now covers owners abroad is sure to be welcome by many frequent travelers. However, do note that your device will not be covered by AppleCare+ in a country that does not sell that device (even if AppleCare+ is sold in that country). An example of when something like this may occur is if you are visiting Brazil with a CDMA iPhone 5. CDMA iPhones are not sold in Brazil -- although other iPhones are -- so damage or other warranty needs would not be covered by your AppleCare+ plan in that country. [via TechCrunch]
AppleCare+ to cover international iPhone replacements, starting September 27th
A welcome bit of news for globe trotters, as Apple is widening the safety net of AppleCare+ to include hardware repair or replacement while abroad. According to a leaked support document obtained by Sonny Dickinson, replacement coverage for the iPhone will become effective on September 27th. Separately, customers may also initiate repairs of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple display and Apple TV while traveling. This move follows a recent expansion of AppleCare+ within western Europe, and easily beats Apple's previous requirement that customers initiate repairs in the same country where AppleCare+ was first purchased. As an important caveat, Apple isn't guaranteeing that model-specific replacement hardware will be available in all countries, but this is a step in the right direction.
AppleCare+ rolls out to three European countries, but incident fees climb to $79 in the US
While we were busy gawking at the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, Apple was quietly expanding the reach of its AppleCare+ extended support program. The service is now available in France, Italy and the UK, giving locals two years of iOS and iPod hardware support (including two accident claims) beyond the European requirements. Customers pay £79 (€99 in Europe) to cover an iPad or iPhone, and £49 (€59) to safeguard an iPod. Unfortunately, the expansion comes at a cost for Americans -- Apple is quietly hiking its AppleCare+ accident repair fee in the US from $49 to $79. While that's still cheaper than regular service, it's expensive enough that some may simply prefer to take better care of their gadgets. May we suggest a case?
Apple launches revamped AppleCare Support website with live 24/7 chat option
If you head on over to the AppleCare website, you'll notice that Apple has completely revamped the way it provides support. On the main AppleCare support page, users are presented with a easy-to-view grid of Apple's entire product line. Upon selecting a product, users can then drill down even deeper to peg the exact type of product they're having problems with. For instance, if a user selects "Mac," they can then indicate if they're having a problem with a desktop, a notebook, with OS X, with a Mac accessory or with Apple's wireless products. Upon this selection, the AppleCare website presents users with a grid of common issues associated with the product in question. Once an issue is selected, the website will suggest an Apple support document that, in an ideal situation, addresses the problem. Barring that, users are given the ability to schedule a call with Apple support or schedule a Genius appointment at a nearby Apple retail location. Overall, the new layout is extremely intuitive, and more importantly, an extremely helpful resource. What's really significant here is that if the website doesn't offer up a workable solution, users now have the option to initiate a live chat session with an Apple support representative. Even better, the live chat option is available 24/7. Bear in mind, though, that the live chat feature is only available for products that are still subject to AppleCare. For this reason, users, at some point in the process, are required to enter in the serial number of the affected product. That being the case, users with products that aren't currently covered by AppleCare can choose to either purchase a one-time support incident for $19.99 or request an exemption.
Parenting Tip: You've got a broken iOS device, now what?
Last week, our parenting tip provided you with advice about protecting your iPhone or iPad from a damaging fall. Though helpful, these tips are not foolproof, and there may be a time when you find yourself staring at a broken iOS device. My iPad 2, which was housed in a rugged case, suffered this fate recently when the screen cracked after my five-year-old stepped on it. A week later my iPad 1 screen cracked when it landed corner first on the floor. Once you have come to terms with the harsh reality that your iOS device is broken, you then need to decide what you are going to do with it. Read on for some suggestions that'll help you decide whether you should fix your device or replace it. We'll also include some tips on how to repair, replace or sell a broken device. The First Question: Repair or Replace? The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to repair your device or replace it. You'll have to weigh factors like the cost of the repair, the cost of a replacement and the age of the device. It is hard to justify spending $200 to fix an iPad 1 when you can grab a new iPad mini for a little over $300. I've crunched these numbers and concluded that, in general, it's cost effective to fix a newer, more expensive device and dump an older device that is slower and may not run the latest version of iOS. This isn't a hard and fast rule as there are times you may want to keep the older device because it has data on it that you don't want to lose. This happened to me earlier this year when my original iPad stopped charging. It cost me $50 in parts and my own labor to fix the three-year-old tablet, but I didn't want to lose the photos stored on it. Another factor to consider is the warranty status of the device. You can't add an accidental damage warranty to a used device that you buy off of Craigslist, but you can add a plan to a new device within the first 30 days. If you think your children are prone to breaking devices, you may want to cut your loss on the the old device and replace it with a new one that has an AppleCare+ or SquareTrade warranty. What Are Your Options for Repair? If you decide to fix your iPhone or iPad, the least expensive option to get your device operational again is to fix it yourself. Many replacement parts are inexpensive and can be purchased online from places like iFixit. iFixit also has a great set of tutorials for the iPhone and iPad that'll walk you through the repair process. YouTube is another good source for repair videos, especially if you like to watch the repair before you actually start doing it. Depending on what is wrong with your device and your skill level, self repair can be a daunting task, though. I'm pretty handy when it comes to devices and tried to fix the charging port on my iPad -- it didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. I was able to replace the charging cable, but getting the display off the iPad was much more difficult than I expected. I ended up damaging the soft aluminum shell of the iPad when I pried off the screen and likely ruined any reasonable chance to resell the device. If you prefer not to crack open your iPhone or iPad, then you can travel down to your local Apple Store and get a repair quote. Depending on the problem, Apple may have to send out the device for repair. There is also a chance Apple may not be able to fix the device, as was the case with my broken charging port. It is worth noting that Apple Stores are supposedly adding tools and supplemental training so Geniuses can repair a broken iPhone screen and other common ailments right in the store. Besides Apple, there are also third-party companies like IFixYourI and eBay sellers that'll repair your iOS device for a fee. Prices vary, but most places charge just under a $100 to repair a broken screen, around $70 to replace a headphone jack and about $60 to replace a power button. Most of these services require you to send in your device for repair, and they will send it back to you when it is fixed. If you have local computer repair shops, check with them, too, as many offer repair services for the iPad and iPhone. Repairing broken hardware like a screen or a button is pretty straightforward -- buy the broken part and replace it. Water damage, though, is handled a bit differently as it can affect multiple parts of your device and critical components like the motherboard. Most repair companies will try to fix a water damaged device, but they won't charge you when you send in your device. The technicians will examine the device and determine if they can fix it before talking to you about repair costs. Be prepared as water damage can be expensive to fix. What if You Want to Replace Your Device? If you want to replace your device instead of repair it, you have several options to buy new or used gear. The easiest and cheapest way to get a replacement device is to exercise the replacement clause on your warranty. If you purchased an AppleCare+ warranty for your iPhone or iPad, then you can go to an Apple Store and get a replacement for $50. You are allowed two replacements while the plan is in effect. SquareTrade offers a similar replacement plan that includes a $50 deductible for each replacement. With SquareTrade, you can get up to four replacements over the life of the plan. Apple also offers an Out-of-Warranty Service option that lets you trade-in your broken device and purchase a replacement device at a reduced cost. Accidental damage is covered by this service, with the exception of catastrophic damage like your iPad being cut in half. Apple will replace your iPad with a similar, new or like new iPad model for a fee. The cost varies by device with an iPad mini costing $219, an iPad 3/4 costing $299 and an iPad 1/2 costing $249 to replace. Similar terms exist for the iPhone with a replacement cost of $229 for an iPhone 5, $199 for an iPhone 4S and $149 for an iPhone 4 or older model device. If you have a newer model iPad or iPhone without an accidental damage warranty, this replacement option is less expensive than buying a brand new device. You can also choose to buy a replacement device on eBay or Craigslist. You will save some cash by purchasing from a third-party seller, but you run the risk of buying a stolen device or one that has a hidden problem. If you want to buy a replacement and don't mind spending the money, I would recommend buying new from Apple or another authorized reseller. With a new device, you can purchase a warranty with accidental damage coverage and not have to worry about losing your $500 investment the next time your device hits the pavement. Where to Sell Your Broken iOS Device? If you decided to buy a new iOS device, you likely still have the broken one sitting on your shelf, collecting dust. Don't let it just sit there and decay, do something with it. You can either recycle it through Apple's recycle program or sell it to someone who can fix it. Resellers like Gazelle and uSell are two of the few services that'll pay you money for your broken devices. Prices are good but not great. Gazelle will pay you $125 for a broken 16GB iPhone 5, while uSell located a buyer who would pay $160. Apple also will take your broken device, but it won't pay you for it. Amazon doesn't even have an option for a broken device. Last but not least, you can always sell your broken iOS device on eBay or Craigslist. You may get more money going this route, but you will have to take the time to accurately describe the damage to your device so you won't disappoint your buyers.
Parenting Tip: Protecting your iOS device from bumps, bruises and bashes
Having a naked iPhone or iPad around kids means living in constant fear of one of them snagging the device and dropping smashing it on the floor. Though the iPhone and iPad are lovely devices when they are undressed, parents who want to keep their devices in pristine condition would be wise to adorn them in a case that protects them from the bumps and bruises of living in a child-filled household. Below you will find our recommended cases as well as other accessories to help you child-proof your iOS device. Cases for the iPhone and iPad The case is your first line of defense in protecting your iPhone or iPad. You'll want to choose one that provides corner protection during a fall and is sturdy enough to prevent your child from denting the device when they bump into a corner. If it has a cover, use it! A coverless case won't protect the device if the screen is impacted. I recently lost an iPad 2 because my child dropped the device and then stepped on the screen. LifeProof LifeProof isn't a super durable case, but it'll protect your device from most minor falls. It'll also protect it from a drop in the toilet or the sink. You can read our review of the LifeProof case for the iPhone 4. As an aside, OtterBox just acquired LifeProof, so I would expect to see the products continue to be sold under the OtterBox umbrella. OtterBox OtterBox makes some of the best rugged cases for the iPad and iPhone. There's the new Armor series that are rugged and waterproof as well as the trustworthy Defender series, which offers robust protection from a fall. You can read our review of the Armor case for the iPhone 5 and our review of the early Defender case for the iPad and the iPhone. Griffin Survivor Series Griffin produces the Survivor series of cases for the iPad and the iPhone, which we reviewed a few years back. The Survivor is a rugged case for the iPhone and iPad that is right up there with OtterBox in terms of quality and price. I've used one on my iPad 2 for years, and it protected the device from many near catastrophic falls. The version I had also included a nice little stand that was great for watching videos. Screen Protector An often overlooked accessory that I always buy is a screen protector. It seems whenever my kids spend any amount of time with the iPad, it comes back gooey and sticky. A screen protector wont do much to protect your device in the event of a fall, but it will make it easy to clean. I have successfully used Zagg InvisibleShield, BodyGuardz and Best Skins Ever screen protectors. Depending on what case you buy, it may come with screen protector as part of the case. You'll want to check out the case you plan on buying before you spend an extra $20 on a screen protector that you don't need. AppleCare Spend the extra money to add AppleCare to your device. The version of AppleCare for the iPhone and iPad, called AppleCare+, will provide you with a replacement device at minimal cost when (not if) the device gets damaged. You are limited to two replacements for the life of the plan.
Apple revamps AppleCare technician certifications program
Apple has revamped its AppleCare technician certification program. Officially called the Service Training and Certification program, it exists to train technicians in diagnosis and repair of Apple products. Until now technicians needed to renew their certification each year and take their exams at a certified examination center. As of June 23 however, technicians will no longer need to be recertified each year and all exams will be done online. The changes come as a result of feedback from technicians. From Apple's Service Training and Certification FAQ: Changes include the following: No more ACMT recertifications: All service technicians with existing ACMT certifications as of June 23 will be granted a new ACMT certification that eliminates yearly recertification exams. This new certification will allow the same ordering of service parts as the preceding ACMT certification and will not expire. New exam resources: The following Apple service exams will be available solely from a new online resource: 9L0-010 - Apple Macintosh Service Certification Exam 9L0-064 - OS X v10.8 Mountain Lion Troubleshooting Exam 9L0-E04 - iOS Qualification Exam Notes: All other AppleCare online exams are not affected by this change. You will still access other exams at ibt.prometric.com/apple. Details on the new exam resource will be provided in other communications. No more testing centers: All AppleCare Service exams will be available online. You will be able to take these exams without the need to travel to a testing center. No more proctored exams: Initial ACMT certification exams will no longer require exam proctors for exams taken at training centers.
iPhone repair costs are soaring
Marketwatch recently took a look at the rising price of iPhone 5 screen repairs, pointing out that the US$229 Apple sometimes charges to repair a broken iPhone 5 screen is often more than the cost of the device itself, with a two-year contract of course. At the root of rising iPhone repair costs are more expensive components coupled with a lower supply of said components. The replacement components for the iPhone 5 are much more expensive than similar parts for prior models -- so expensive in fact that many independent repair services cannot compete. "Due to the high cost of replacement parts, we are not yet offering iPhone 5 repairs," according to a statement on ComputerOverhauls.com, an online repair shop. "Currently, the Apple Store is the least expensive option for repairing damaged iPhone 5s." Other services charge as much as $250 for the repair. The article also relays that the iPhone 5 is actually easier to fix than previous iPhone models. Replacing a display on the iPhone 4S, for example, involves 37 steps. Oh cruel irony. All told, AppleCare+ for iPhone owners is steadily looking like the smart play. I opted not to get AppleCare when I picked up my iPhone 4S. Then, 15 months later, the screen cracked after I clumsily let it slip out of my hand. With AppleCare+, which costs $99, Apple extends warranty coverage on the iPhone to two years, a plan which covers two incidents of accidental damage along with a $49 service fee. Damage not caused by human error or clumsiness is not subject to an additional service fee.
Revamped AppleCare means changes for Genius Bar employees
When my iPad 3 was acting funny –– and by that I mean a sleep/wake button that would only work on every third press -- I made an appointment at the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store. Fifteen minutes later I walked out with a brand-new replacement iPad. Many readers who have owned a faulty iPhone, iPod or iPad will have had experiences similar to my own: broken iDevice, go to Apple store, get new one. But now that's all set to change. According to reports from AppleInsider, Apple vice president Tara Bunch announced to employees last week that AppleCare will be changing in the US, with international markets to follow. Soon iDevices with faulty hardware won't necessarily be replaced with new units. The role and capabilities of Geniuses in Apple stores will soon be expanded to allow them to fix the faulty parts, instead of having to issue completely new hardware. As AppleInisder explains: Currently, Apple Stores have the tools to replace speakers, receivers, home buttons, the vibrator motor and battery. Come June, capabilities will be expanded to display replacement, and by July cameras, sleep/wake buttons and logic boards will be dealt with in-store. In addition, employees will have access to advanced diagnostics tools that can remotely assess hardware issues and relay the data directly to technicians, allowing for quicker turnaround times. The move is expected to save Apple a whopping US$1 billion a year in replacement costs. As to how the move will affect customers' perception of AppleCare remains to be seen. AI also reported on other potential changes to AppleCare, including a switch from per-device coverage to per-user coverage. Under the new model, all of a user's devices would be covered under an AppleCare subscription-based model.
Apple comes out on top in Consumer Reports tech support ratings
Consumer Reports has announced that Apple has come out on top again -- and bested its previous score -- in providing consumer tech support to its users. The company scored far higher than the other big companies for the elements that make for successful online and phone support: ease of contacting staff, clarity of advice, technical knowledge, patience and time for follow-up. The annual survey found that 88 percent of of customer problems were solved at an in-store Genius Bar, compared to only 70 percent at Best Buy's in-store Geek Squad bars. Consumer Reports also notes that Apple was able to resolve 82 percent of computer problems across all its support lines (in-store, phone, etc.). Overall, Apple scored 86 our of 100 in the survey -- the highest of any computer manufacturer. The next best was Lenovo, which scored a 63 out of 100.
A small number of Apple TVs eligible for replacement due to Wi-Fi issues
Apple has emailed a note to Apple Store and AppleCare employees as well as authorized resellers stating that a small number of third-generation Apple TVs have an issue with Wi-Fi and are eligible for replacement free of charge up to two years after the device was purchased. Information supplied to the 9to5Mac website mentions that the affected Apple TV products "might experience one of these Wi-Fi related connectivity issues: Cannot locate network, Unable to join network, Dropped or intermittent connection." Serial numbers must be within a specified range in order for the device to be eligible for replacement: The last four letters of the serial number must be DRHN The third and fourth alphanumeric characters must contain one of these pairs: H9, HC, HD, HF, HG, HH, HJ, HK, HL, HM, HN, HP, HQ, HR, HT, HV, HW, HX, J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9 Service providers are asked to make sure that the 3rd-generation Apple TV is running software version 5.2.1 or later, eliminate sources of potential Wi-Fi interference and isolate the issue to the Apple TV. If the symptoms still exist, then Apple will replace the unit.
Mac 101: Checking your Mac's warranty status
More Mac 101, tips and tricks for novice Mac users. Every newly purchased Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of complimentary telephone technical support from Apple. Of course, by purchasing AppleCare with your new Mac, you can extend this warranty and telephone technical support to three years, but it will cost you extra. How do you find out if your Mac is still in its first year of warranty or covered by AppleCare for an additional two years? Simple! Go to Apple's Service and Support Coverage page and enter your Mac's serial number. You'll get a break down of your warranty based on the date your Mac was purchased. Where do you find your Mac's serial number? You'll find it in About This Mac (here's how). Or for an even easier way -- because remembering and grabbing your Mac's serial number can be a bother -- download WozWas's Mac Warranty Status Script, which grabs your Mac's serial number and enters it into Apple's Service and Support Coverage page for you. All with one simple click. Knowing whether your Mac is in warranty can be really helpful, should something go wrong. It's also particularly useful to know the status of a Mac's warranty if you're planning on buying second-hand. Remember, warranty and AppleCare coverage stays with a Mac until it expires. There are different views on whether AppleCare is worth the cost, but regardless, a general rule of thumb is that if you can afford it, you should get it. Though Macs are great, if / when something goes wrong, it can be expensive to repair. AppleCare provides you with peace of mind and first-rate support from Apple.
EU Justice Commissioner: AppleCare violates member states' laws
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding blasted Apple in a speech in Brussels today and urged EU member states to ensure that Apple complies with consumer protection laws, which require consumer electronics devices to come with a mandatory two-year warranty. "This case and the responses I received since I sent my letter have highlighted rather clearly just why the Commission cannot sit on the side-lines on enforcement issues," Reding said. "The approaches to enforcement in these types of cases turn out to be very diversified and inconsistent at a national level. In at least 21 EU Member States Apple is not informing consumers correctly about the legal warranty rights they have. This is simply not good enough." The EU has some of the strongest consumer protection laws on the planet. All products are required to carry a two-year warranty. Apple is under fire for allegedly failing to tell consumers about the guaranteed two-year coverage while selling its own three-year AppleCare warranty -- two years of which they already get with their purchase. As Dow Jones Newswires reports, Apple pulled AppleCare sales from Italy last November and currently the computer maker is being sued by consumer groups in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Portugal over its warranty proceedings.
EU commission calls for better enforcement following Apple warranty dust up
In 2011 Apple found itself in some hot water for failing to provide the legally required two-year warranty to European consumers. But, since being slapped with a €900,000 fine by Italy in December of that year, few other countries have taken any signifcant action. That's led European Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding to call on the nations of the European Union to step up their enforcement efforts and to cooperate more on consumer protection issues. She also said that the Justice Commission should take a more prominent role in helping various state institutions work together. The call for stricter enforcement comes after only five EU members took any action against Apple for openly flouting the Union's Warranty laws -- and just two (Italy and Bulgaria) imposed any financial penalties. Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg and Belgium are still investigating the company, but it's not clear what consequences if any remain to be faced. The company has begun to alter its warranty policies to fall more inline with local laws, but there are still concerns about the specific wording that leave room for abuse.
