Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
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.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
18 thoughts onApple Watch Class Action Says Warranty Should Cover Shattered Screens
Add me
I had the same issue with a series 2 Apple Watch. The face just detached simply without any provocation and it shattered, last weekend. contacted Apple which of course refuses to cover the repairs and wants $229 to fix the watch.
Purchased series 3 in December and the face just lifted off 4 months later. Told by “genius” it was my fault as she was breaking off the edges. Offered to have it fixed for $229. I paid that for it on Christmas special at Best Buy. I will be returning there and making a big stink over it not happy with service but love the product
My 3 month old Series 3 screen cracked while I was walking my dog, no impact happened. I for one will be following as apple needs to own up to their poor design
My apple 3 watch screen just shattered. It is about 5 months old. I will be contacting apple this week but my expectations are not high.
I had the same issue with a series 2 Apple Watch. The face just detached simply without any provocation and it shattered, last weekend. contacted Apple which of course refuses to cover the repairs and wants $229 to fix the watch. Absolutely Ridiculous. Widespread problem with these watches.
I had the same issue with my Apple Watch series 2. The screen fell off when slightly bumped. When I contacted Apple they acted like they never heard of the apparent issue & were willing to fix my watch for a charge until I continued to voice my complaints and asked to speak to a supervisor. I finally told them that if my watch was not repaired or replaced free of charge, I would also start actions against Apple. Finally they agreed to fix/replace my watch free of charge. There is information all over the internet that states that Apple is not admitting to any fault, but has extended the warranty from 1 to 3 years.
Good for you! Apple accepted my series w watch to repair it for no charge unless I got a call from the repair depot. Weeks later, the local store called to say they had to replace the watch and I owed for a new watch at full retail. I balked. Many phone calls later, I asked for my old watch. They said they threw it away. I still have not resolved the issue. But your response encourages me to demand the new watch for free or a series 3 watch for the price difference.
Add me
The case is still moving through the courts and has not yet reached a settlement. Claim forms are usually not made available to consumers until after a court approved settlement is reached. Setting up a free account with Top Class Actions will allow you to receive instant updates on ANY article that you ‘Follow’ on our website. A link to creating an account may be found here: https://topclassactions.com/signup/. You can then ‘Follow’ the article above, and get notified immediately when we post updates!
Purchased 2 apple watch 3 on July 25, 2018 – August 17, 2018 the face broke off (while holding my 5 month old) several places on his arms. I did could not fathom why he was crying so much until I handed him to my husband and I noticed the blood on his shirt. Apple first did not want to accept a return for the broken watch stating that they will provide repairs. I am not comfortable wearing the watch because of the possible harm it could cause. Apple however would not approve the return of the other watch because it is not broken. I cannot allow my husband to wear it because I am afraid that It can break and cause possible harm. My five month old now has a scar on his arm because of the apple watch.
Had the face detach off my Apple Watch series 1 a couple of weeks ago … for no apparent reason. Tried to get it replaced and was told that this was not under warranty.
I had the same experience a week ago and was told the same thing with regard to my shattered screen on the watch.