Apple has had its fair share of run-ins with competition regulators regarding product warranties and things of that nature over the years, and it looks as though the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is the next to take issue with the company.
Based on claims that Apple was misleading consumers with respect to the details of faulty product replacement, refund and repair, the ACCC slapped the company with a court order demanding changes be made in Australia.
The group claims that Apple employees have been using its own internal warranty policies – 14-day returns and 12-month manufacturer warranties – instead of those put in place by Australian law.
Much like last year when Apple succumb to the ACCC to the tune of $2 million for misleading info regarding 4G functionality on its new iPad, the competition watchdog group said that Apple has agreed to implement the Australian regulated warranty policy. According to reports, Apple will not only be changing its policies moving forward, but is also responsible for compensating affected consumers dating back two years.
It will offer customers a minimum of 24 months coverage and bring its repair and return policy up to local standards. For more info, Apple has put up a page outlining the various differences between its policy and those of Australian consumer law on its website.