Apple Watch Class Action Says Warranty Should Cover Shattered Screens

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A class action lawsuit alleges that Apple’s warranty should cover shattered watch screens.

Plaintiff Kenneth Sciacca claims that he purchased a Series 2 Apple Watch, and that the watch’s screen shattered because of a design defect.

He says the damage should have been covered by the watch’s limited warranty, but the company refused to cover the damage because they stated that it was Sciacca’s fault.

The Apple Watch class action lawsuit claims that all Apple watches made since 2015 have the same defect causing the screen to shatter.

As a result, the plaintiff seeks damages for himself and all other similarly affected consumers whose watches shattered and the damage was not covered by Apple’s warranty.

He notes that Apple did extend its limited warranty after the watches’ initial release in 2015, but that extension of warranty only covered swollen batteries.

The Apple Watch screen class action lawsuit claims that the fact that the watches’ screens shatter so easily is at direct opposition with the marketing of the product.

Allegedly, the watches, especially the most recent Series 3 watches, are marketed as “activity-oriented,” and are advertised as being suitable to wear while playing sports and engaging in other active pastimes.

Based on this advertisement, Sciacca claims that Apple encourages consumers to wear the watches in situations in which they might be bumped.

The plaintiff says that by advertising the watches as appropriate for active use, Apple effectively implies that the device can stand up to such use and are designed to withstand the strain of activities.

He goes on to claim that watches that break under what Apple itself declares “normal use,” should be covered by warranty and not blamed on the consumer.

The Apple Watch defective screen class action lawsuit further states that the pricing of the watch implies that it is well-made, and that consumers purchase Apple Watches with the assumption that they are made with quality design and materials that can stand up to everyday, regular use. Sciacca cites the fact that the Series 3 watch is sold for as much as $1,399.

Based on these claims, Sciacca alleges breach of warranties and unjust enrichment. He also alleges that Apple violated the California Business and Professions Code, as well as the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act.

The Apple Watch screen break class action lawsuit says that “based on these advertisements and the high purchase price for Apple Watches, reasonable consumers who purchase Apple Watches expect well-made, durable devices that can consistently perform a number of functions and withstand a variety of conditions without issue.” Allegedly, the watches do not meet their advertised quality.

The Apple Watch class action lawsuit states that numerous customers have submitted online complaints that the screens detach or break, and that Apple refuses to replace the screens for free.

Allegedly, when Apple refuses to replace the screen for free, consumers are charged upwards of $200 for repairs, or are forced to buy AppleCare+ protection plans, or even a new watch entirely.

Sciacca is represented by Kolin C. Tang and James C. Shah of Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah LLP and John F. Edgar and Brendan M. McNeal of Edgar Law Firm LLC.

The Apple Watch Screen Warranty Class Action Lawsuit is Kenneth Sciacca v. Apple Inc., Case No. 5:18-v-03312, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

UPDATE: On Aug. 10, 2018, Apple Inc. filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit alleging some of its Apple Watches have defective screens that can shatter, claiming that the plaintiff’s Apple Watch screen cracked after the warranty had expired.

UPDATE 2: On Jan. 25, 2019, a California federal judge presiding over a proposed Apple Watch class action lawsuit alleging screens have a high likelihood of cracking and shattering, has decided to throw the suit out.