Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Dutch watchdog imposes penalty on Apple over App Store policies
Fine or penalty
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets said Apple had to pay a first €5 million penalty payment after failing to satisfy requirements concerning payment options for dating-app providers in the Dutch App Store. The watchdog said further weekly penalties of €5 million could accrue, up to €50 million.
Source excerpt
ACM informed Apple that if it fails to adhere to its order, it will have to pay each week a penalty payment of 5 million euros up to a maximum of 50 million euros.
Stressing that Apple must adjust its conditions for access to the Dutch App Store for dating-app providers, the Dutch antitrust authority said that in the App Store, dating-app providers must also be able to use payment systems other than Apple's payment system.
"This means that Apple now has to pay ACM the first penalty payment of 5 million euros," it said in a statement late on Monday.
2022
Apple accumulates €50 million in Dutch fines
Fine or penalty
Apple had accumulated €50 million in fines in its dispute with the Dutch competition regulator ACM over conditions for dating apps to use alternative payment options. The article says this was the tenth fine.
Source excerpt
该法则于 1 月生效，从那时起，苹果每周收到 500 万欧元的罚款。这是第 10 次罚款，总计 5000 万欧元。
ACM认为约会应用程序开发人员不需要在使用替代支付或应用内支付之间进行选择，并表示应用程序必须能够提供这两种选择。
2022
Apple receives ninth Netherlands fine over dating-app payment systems
Fine or penalty
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets imposed another €5 million weekly penalty on Apple over its assessment that Apple had not sufficiently met requirements for alternative payment systems for dating apps in the Netherlands. The article reports that Apple had accumulated €45 million in fines.
Company response
Remediation — Apple
为了符合荷兰反垄断监管机构几个月前的命令，使得荷兰的约会APP可以使用非苹果支付方式，苹果周一（3月21日）提交了一项新提案。
Source excerpt
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) said that Apple had sent it "new proposals" on Monday in an attempt to resolve the company's dispute over allowing dating app developers to use third-party payment methods in the Netherlands. The ACM did not disclose any details about Apple's newly proposed remedy, which it said it would now assess, and the organization continued to impose its ninth weekly penalty of €5 million on the company.
“我们现在将评估这些提案的内容，”荷兰消费者和市场管理局 (ACM) 发言人 Murco Mijnlieff 表示，“我们的目标是尽快完成这项评估。”
为了符合荷兰反垄断监管机构几个月前的命令，使得荷兰的约会APP可以使用非苹果支付方式，苹果周一（3月21日）提交了一项新提案。
2022
Apple sued over alleged sexual harassment on film set
Lawsuit filed
Alicia Kelly sued Apple, Lionsgate Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer, among others, alleging that the companies failed to protect her from sexual harassment and fostered a workplace environment in which harassment, intimidation and sexual battery against female workers were allowed. These are allegations in the lawsuit.
Source excerpt
Apple is being sued by a woman who claims the tech giant failed to protect her from sexual harassment while she was employed in a COVD support role on the set of the Will Smith thriller “Emancipation,” reports Bloomberg.
Alicia Kelly also sued production companies Lionsgate Entertainment Inc. and Jerry Bruckheimer Inc., as well as her direct employers, claiming the companies fostered a workplace environment where sexual harassment, sexual intimidation and sexual battery were allowed against female workers.
2022
Apple complaints featured in 2021 electronics blacklist report
Issue disclosure
A report on Black Cat Complaint’s 2021 electronics rankings placed Apple among the brands with poor complaint-response and resolution performance. It reported complaints about automatic charges in the Apple Store and users’ reports of red or green screens on new iPhone 13 devices. These are reported complaints, not established findings.
Source excerpt
大量用户投诉Apple商店自动扣费，质量问题中较为典型的是苹果iPhone13新机出现红绿屏
平台发布2021年度红黑榜榜单
而Apple、索尼、柠檬悦读、金正、罗技回复及响应解决情况较差，位于数码产品领域黑榜。
2022
Consumers sue Apple over Powerbeats Pro battery life claims
Lawsuit filed
Consumers filed a lawsuit against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging that Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro earphones did not meet the advertised battery-life claim. The article reports the allegations and does not establish a court determination.
Source excerpt
众多消费者通过美国纽约南区地方法院指控苹果，认为其Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro耳机对于电池续航的承诺不到位。
苹果曾经宣称这款耳机充满一次电的续航可以达到9个小时，但实际却并非如此。
2022
Ericsson files patent lawsuits against Apple
Lawsuit filed
Ericsson filed another set of patent infringement lawsuits against Apple in the United States over royalty payments for the use of 5G wireless patents in iPhones.
Source excerpt
Published - January 18, 2022 10:53 pm IST
Sweden's Ericsson has filed another set of patent infringement lawsuits against Apple in the latest salvo between the two companies over royalty payment for use of 5G wireless patents in iPhones.
2022
Krafton sues over Free Fire distribution
Lawsuit filed
Krafton filed a lawsuit in the United States against Apple, Google and others concerning the distribution of Free Fire and Free Fire MAX. Krafton alleges the games infringe its copyrights and says it had asked Apple and Google to stop distributing and selling them; the article says the companies had not responded as far as was known.
Company response
Denial — Garena spokesperson
Garena’s spokesperson says to the lip Crafton’s allegations are unfounded.
Source excerpt
The lawsuit also covers game maker Garena, as well as YouTube.
Crafton, publisher and developer of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, has filed a lawsuit in the United States against Apple and Google, among others. The lawsuit revolves around Free Fire and Free Fire MAX, which Crafton says infringes the company’s copyrights and is on the app stores.
Garena’s spokesperson says to the lip Crafton’s allegations are unfounded.
2022
Krafton sues Apple and Google over sales of alleged game copies
Lawsuit filed
Krafton filed a U.S. lawsuit alleging that a Singapore-based company made rip-off versions of its game and that Apple and Google refused to stop selling them.
Company response
Denial — Garena
A company spokesperson said, “Krafton’s claims are groundless.”
Source excerpt
Another day, another lawsuit. Krafton Inc., the maker of the game “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” says in a new U.S. lawsuit that a Singapore-based company made rip-off versions of its game, and Apple and Google have refused to stop selling them, reports Reuters.
Krafton, the developer behind PlayUnknown’s Battlegrounds,” and the maker of PUBG Mobile, last year’s No. 6 top-grossing mobile game on a global basis, is suing the app stores and a rival game maker, Garena, over copyright infringement involving Garena Online’s Free Fire games.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on January 10, 2022.
2022
Arigna Technology sues seven companies over Qualcomm components
Lawsuit filed
Arigna Technology filed a complaint in the Western District of Texas against Alphabet, Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, OnePlus, Samsung, and TCL, alleging that their devices incorporated Qualcomm envelope-tracking modules covered by its patent.
Source excerpt
Arigna's new case, over the '835 patent, has been assigned to District Judge Alan D. Albright. 2/10, Western District of Texas.
Arigna Technology Limited, one of several plaintiffs associated with Dublin-based patent monetization firm Atlantic IP, has filed a single complaint against Alphabet (Google), Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, OnePlus, Samsung, and TCL (6:22-cv-00151) in the Western District of Texas.
infringement accusations in Arigna's complaint target various devices and computers (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones) of the defendants over their alleged incorporation of the Qualcomm QET4100 and/or QET5100-series envelope tracking modules.
2021
EU regulators accuse Apple of anti-competitive App Store rules
Investigation
EU regulators accused Apple of distorting competition in music streaming. The European Commission's preliminary charge concerned App Store rules requiring developers to use Apple's in-app payment system and preventing them from informing users about other purchasing options; the case could lead to concessions or a fine.
Company response
Denial — Apple
Apple rebuffed the EU charge.
Denial — Apple
Apple firmly rejected the accusations
Source excerpt
The EU competition enforcer, in its so-called statement of objections setting out the charge, said the issue related to Apple's restrictive rules for its App Store that force developers to use its own in-app payment system and prevent them from informing users of other purchasing options.
EU regulators have accused Apple of distorting competition in the music streaming market, siding with Spotify in a case that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in the iPhone maker's lucrative business practices.
Apple rebuffed the EU charge.
2021
Judge partially rejects Apple’s motion to dismiss iTunes “Buy” button lawsuit
Ruling
In a class-action lawsuit alleging that Apple’s iTunes “Buy” button is misleading, a federal judge partially rejected Apple’s motion to dismiss. The judge found it plausible that consumers would expect access to purchased content not to be revoked; the unjust-enrichment claim was dismissed.
In the class-action lawsuit alleging Apple’s iTunes “Buy” button is misleading, a federal judge partially rejected Apple’s motion to dismiss. The judge found it plausible that consumers would expect access to purchased content not to be revoked; the unjust-enrichment claim was dismissed.
Source excerpt
A new lawsuit against Apple alleges that the company's 'Buy' button on iTunes content is misleading and deceptive because Apple can terminate your access to content at any time.
Apple filed a motion to dismiss the suit, however, Judge John Mendez rejected the attempt (in part)
The judge also rejected Apple's claim that the alleged injury was speculative in the case, stating that "the injury is that at the time of purchase, he paid either too much for the product or spent money he would not have but for the misrepresentation.
2021
Russian antitrust authority fines Apple over App Store rules
Fine or penalty
Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service fined Apple 906.3 million roubles, equivalent to about $12.1 million, for alleged abuse of dominance in the mobile applications market. Apple said it disagreed with the decision and planned to appeal.
Company response
Denial — Apple
Apple has said that it "respectfully" disagrees with the FAS's decision and plans to appeal it.
Denial — Apple
Apple said it disagreed with the ruling and that it would appeal in due course
Denial — Apple
After the decision was announced, Apple said in an email to Sputnik that the company respectfully disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal it.
Source excerpt
Tuesday April 27, 2021 10:40 am PDT by Juli Clover
Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) has levied a $12 million fine against Apple for alleged abuse of its dominance in the mobile applications market, reports
Apple has said that it "respectfully" disagrees with the FAS's decision and plans to appeal it.
2021
Taction Technology sues Apple over Taptic Engine patents
Lawsuit filed
Taction Technology filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that Apple's Taptic Engine infringed two patents owned by Taction. Taction also claimed that Apple procured and reverse-engineered two Kannon headphones; according to the report, the cited support for that allegation appeared to be order and shipping receipts. The available account does not specify the patents' subject matter, the relief sought, or any court outcome.
Taction Technology sued Apple, alleging that Apple's Taptic Engine infringed two patents owned by Taction. Taction also claimed Apple procured and reverse-engineered two Kannon headphones; the article says the cited support for that allegation appeared to be order and shipping receipts.
Source excerpt
在其诉讼中，Taction公司声称苹果公司采购并反向设计了两款Kannon耳机。
曾开发出增强型触觉反馈系统的 Taction Technology 近日起诉苹果公司，指控后者的 Taptic Engine 侵犯了其拥有的两项专利。
2021
Apple faces class action over iPhone water-resistance descriptions
Lawsuit filed
A class-action filing accused Apple of making claims about iPhone water resistance. The source describes the complaint but does not provide a filing date or outcome. The event is recorded as a controversy note concerning the brand's iPhone water-resistance descriptions, based solely on the available report.
Source excerpt
这份长达13页的文件被列为“集体诉讼”，控诉内容是苹果公司在对iPhone的防水性能的描述。
被列为"集体诉讼申诉"，安托瓦内特·史密斯（Antoinette Smith）被列为原告，"代表所有其他处于类似地位的人"，这份长达13页的文件将矛头直指苹果提及的耐水性。
The lawsuit also says that Apple usually rejects warranty of devices whose contact indicator has turned red, despite the fact that the company advises customers to rinse iPhones that might have gotten wet from liquids like juice or coffee, but in a way that could cause the indicator to turn red and thus allow them to reject the warranty.
2021
Ransomware attack exposes Apple product plans
Issue disclosure
A news report described a ransomware attack in which hackers breached Quanta, an Apple supplier, and stole confidential information about upcoming Apple products. According to the report, the hackers sought payment and threatened Apple with the release of the data. The report did not specify the amount demanded, the identity of the attackers beyond the ransomware context, or whether any payment was made or data released. The event was framed as a controversy involving Apple and its supply chain, highlighting concerns about the exposure of confidential product information through a supplier breach.
The article reports that hackers breached Apple supplier Quanta and stole confidential information about upcoming Apple products. The hackers reportedly sought payment and threatened Apple with release of the data.
Source excerpt
Hackers have gained access to confidential plans of Apple’s upcoming product after breaching into one of Apple’s popular parts suppliers.
Taiwanese company Quanta that is known to assemble Apple’s laptops was attacked by the Sodin group, which is notorious for running ransomware called REvil
They’ve extended their demands to Apple now, asking that Apple, if it wishes to, can buy back the data before May 1.
2021
German watchdog investigates Apple’s market position
Investigation
In June 2021, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office said it was investigating whether Apple had paramount significance across markets. The authority identified Apple’s iOS ecosystem and the App Store as among the areas of focus in the proceeding. The announcement concerned an examination of Apple’s market position rather than a final finding, and the source report did not state a conclusion or any penalty at that stage.
Source excerpt
The Federal Cartel Office (FCO) said the initial investigation will look at whether the company is of "paramount significance across markets".
Apple is under investigation by the German competition watchdog.
2021
Jawbone sues Apple over AirPods Pro noise-cancellation technology
Lawsuit filed
Jawbone filed a lawsuit against Apple alleging that technology used in the AirPods Pro's active noise cancellation may infringe eight patents it owns related to limiting background noise. The source does not report a determination of the allegations.
Source excerpt
According to the lawsuit, it points out eight different patents that they own that are related to limiting background noise.
Jawbone is claiming in a lawsuit that they have filed against the Cupertino company.
2021
Jawbone files patent infringement suits against Apple and Google
Lawsuit filed
Jawbone filed two patent infringement suits against Google and Apple, claiming it is entitled to royalties for its noise-cancelling technology. The suits were reported on 24 September 2021. According to the source, Jawbone's claim concerns royalties for the noise-cancelling technology at issue in the two cases. The reports do not state the amounts sought, the courts involved, or any outcome of the litigation.
Source excerpt
Former wearable tech start-up Jawbone has filed two patent infringement suits against Google and Apple, claiming it is entitled to royalties for its noise-cancelling technology.
2021
Apple and Google face criticism after removing Navalny's app
Public backlash
Apple and Google faced criticism after removing Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's tactical voting app from their stores under pressure from the Kremlin. A Navalny ally described the removal as political censorship.
Source excerpt
Ivan Zhdanov, a Navalny ally based abroad, said today the removal amounted to political censorship
Apple and Google have come under fire for political meddling after they both removed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's tactical voting app from their stores under pressure from the Kremlin.