Apple hit with lawsuit over disappearing iMessages for iPhone to Android switchers
Well, that sure didn't take long. Shortly after we highlighted how a number of iPhone to Android converts are no longer receiving text messages sent from other iPhones, Apple has been slapped with a lawsuit over the matter.
Bloomberg reports that a frustrated Android user filed suit against Apple late last week in San Jose. The suit seeks class action status and alleges that consumers who decide to switch from Apple's ecosystem to Android are being "penalized and unable to obtain the full benefits of their wireless-service contracts."
The text-messaging lawsuit, which seeks class-action status and undetermined damages, claims Apple failed to disclose that switching to a device other than one running on Apple's iOS operating system would result in the interference. The suit is based on contractual interference and unfair competition laws.
Unquestionably, not receiving text messages has to be a terribly frustrating experience. According to a widely circulated blogpost from Lifehacker Editor-in-Chief Adam Pash, Apple is aware of the problem and is working, albeit unsuccessfully, to come up with a solution.
One suggestion to hopefully help iPhone to Android users avoid this predicament altogether is to deactivate iMessage before switching over to Android.
Barring that, some fixes that have reported worked for some affected users include the following:
Deregister your phone number from iMessage by going to Settings > Messages and turning iMessage off
Go to https://supportprofile.apple.com/MySupportProfile.do. Next, log in and click on "edit products." Lastly, click on the "x" to the right of the product and click "unregister."
Sign out of your App Store account on any device where it may be open
Go to https://appleid.apple.com and change your password
If none of these solutions alleviate the problem, your last resort is to call 1-800-My-Apple and ask them to deactivate iMessage for you. According to one TUAW reader, doing so will result in Apple sending you a verification code and "revoking your certificate" in the iMessage system.
