Apple Inc. (AAPL) Mislead Consumers Over Warranty, Australian Consumer Law, Ruled ACCC; Cupertino to Retrain Staff on Warranties

Apple Inc. has allegedly misled its consumers, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The commission accused the Cupertino-based company of not complying with Australia's consumer protection laws. In addition, the commission stated Apple must agree to the terms outlined in the Australian Consumer Law.

The ACCC said Apple intentionally mislead consumers regarding the warranty-related rights offered in the country.

"The ACCC was concerned that Apple was applying its own warranties and refund policies effectively to the exclusion of the consumer guarantees contained in the Australian Consumer Law," wrote ACCC Chair Rod Sims. "While voluntary or express warranties can provide services in addition to the consumer guarantee rights of the [Australian Consumer Law], they cannot replace or remove those [Australian Consumer Law] guarantee rights."

Apple has agreed to comply with the ACCC's decision by retraining management and staff about the Australian Consumer Law and update the Apple Australia website.

The Cupertino-based company was previously in trouble with the ACCC in 2012 regarding advertising related to the iPad's 4G wireless data support. The ACCC found the advertising false and had Apple revise its advertising to note the LTE service isn't available in all areas in Australia. As a result, the ACCC fined Apple $2.25 million.

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