Class Action Lawsuit Says Apple Lightning Connector is Defective

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Apple Inc. alleging that the company has knowledge that its Lightning connector is prone to fraying, breakage and failure.

Lead plaintiff Rendell Roman filed the class action lawsuit in behalf of individuals who purchased an Apple product with an Apple Lightning connector, including the iPhone 4, iPad (fourth generation), iPad Mini, iPod Nano (seventh generation), and iPod Touch (fifth generation).

The Apple Lightning connector was introduced on Sept. 12, 2013 as the new cable used to charge and synchronize content for its new hardware devices. The class action lawsuit, however, alleges that contrary to Apple’s representations, advertisements and statements, the Lighting connector is defective.

According to the class action lawsuit, “the Lightning connector’s end that plugs into the Apple device deteriorates, externally and/or internally, to such a degree so as to make charging the Apple device completely impossible, or possible only by positioning the cord in a specific manner, using electric tape, or something similar, to hold the Lightning cable together, or other means to maintain the connection and angle between the Lightning and the Apple device. The deterioration can and does become so severe that the exposed wires of the eroded Lightning create a safety hazard.”

The class action lawsuit further states that the exposed wires have led to sparks and fires, endangering the health and safety of consumers and public. The plaintiff is claiming that the failure of Lightning connectors is happening because of the poor quality in manufacturing.

“Due to the Lightning’s proprietary nature, consumers are forced to purchase replacements directly from Apple, the sole manufacturer of the Lightning, in order to recharge and continue using their Apple devices,” the class action lawsuit states.

The class action lawsuit contends that Apple “possessed knowledge of  the defect prior to distributing the Lightning” and would have “committed fraud upon the millions of unsuspecting customers who purchased Apple products chargeable only by the Lightning without any knowledge of the defect.”

The Apple Lightning Connector Class Action Lawsuit is Rendell Roman v. Apple Inc., Case No. 13-cv-5437, U.S. District Court, California Northern District, San Jose Office.