Apple Facing $5 Million Lawsuit Over Wi-Fi Assist Feature
CUPERTINO, Calif. (CBS Sacramento) -- Apple is in hot water after facing a $5 million lawsuit over data bills caused by its Wi-Fi Assist feature.
The new software enables iPhones to switch to data usage from Wi-Fi when there is a weak signal, as reported by CNET. Since its introduction in September, users have complained that the automatic switch is causing large data bills without their knowledge. Customers using iOS 9 say they believed they were relying on Wi-Fi.
One couple,who claimed this happened to them, filed a class-action complaint on Friday. William Scott Phillips and Suzanne Schmidt Phillips say they were unaware of the feature and the automatic switch to data usage, and that Apple should be responsible for covering the costs.
The feature is meant to provide iPhone users with consistent and smooth service, but many users are complaining about the unexpected charges. If the lawsuit goes through, it will require Apple to cover bills that have increased due to the service.
Negative responses to Wi-Fi Assist prompted the company to publish an online guide explaining, "Because you'll stay connected to the Internet over cellular when you have a poor Wi-Fi connection, you might use more cellular data. For most users, this should only be a small percentage higher than previous usage."
While the efforts may be appreciated by some, those who have already racked up bills say it's a little too late. The plaintiffs say they only discovered the possibility of extra charges after seeing articles and tweets about the feature.
The lawsuit claims Apple violated California's Unfair Competition Law by inaccurately advertising its product and negligently misrepresenting. Apple is the only company that has been slapped with a lawsuit of this kind so far, though many other manufacturers have similar features.
Apple did not respond to comment when reached by CNET.
