Source: https://vi.scribd.com/document/368506859/Class-Action-Lauri-Sullivan-Stefanou-Jarrod-and-Carly-Byer-v-Apple-January-2018
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 19:49:27+00:00

Document:
Lauri Sullivan-Stefanou along with Jarrod and Carly Byer filed a Class Action lawsuit against Apple in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the first Class Action filed in 2018 with many more to come. The court document shows us that the Plaintiffs were fully aware of the apology made on December 28th and yet state that Apple failed to warn them that their iPhone 6 and 7 were purposely being slowed down by downloading the very updates that Apple urged them to do for security reasons.
additional evidentiary support exists for the allegations set forth herein.
1 (released on January 23. 2017).. 2017). Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 2 of 14 PAGEID #: 2 SUMMARY OF THE ACTION 1. iOS 11. and iOS 11. 2017). 2017).0. 2017) (collectively referred to as “iOS 10 and 11 Updates” or “Updates”). Apple deliberately prevents chips in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 from reaching their full processing power.2 (released on October 3.2 (released on May 15.3 (released on October 11. 2017).0.3.3 (released on March 27. Apple touted the increased phone performance that would result from the Updates. 3. 2017).2 (released on November 16. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant Apple Inc. §4165. iOS 10. 2017).2 (released on December 2. 2017). and engaged in common law fraud by failing to disclose to owners of the iPhones 6 and 7 that the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates significantly and negatively interfere with their phones’ performance.01 et seq. iOS 11.1 (released on October 31. 2.1.3.1. 2017): iOS 11. 2017).1 (released on November 9.0. (“Apple” or “Defendant”) engaged in deceptive trade practices and false advertising in violation of Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act. iOS 11. iOS 10. The result is that instead of enhancing the performance of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 as 2 .1 (released on April 3.2. These Updates to the iPhone operating system caused Plaintiffs’ and class members’ devices to be significantly slower and interfered with the normal usage of the phones.1 (released on September 26. Rather. iOS 11. Apple has since admitted that through the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates. iOS 11.3.2.3 (released on July 19. This is a class action on behalf of owners of all versions of the iPhone 6 and/or iPhone 7 who were harmed when their devices’ software was updated by any of the following: iOS 10. iOS 10. iOS 10. 2017).1 (released on December 13. iOS 11. 2017).
such that any exceptions to jurisdiction under 28 U. §1391(b) and §1391(c) because Defendant engaged in deceptive trade practices and common law fraud in this District.000. or now they can purchase a new battery. or purchase new phones for hundreds of dollars. and conducts a substantial amount of business within this District. has caused harm to the Class in this District. (2) the aggregate amount in controversy exceeds $5. provided a substantial volume of goods to this District.S.S. PARTIES 7. §1332(d) because (1) there are more than 100 class members. and (3) at least one member of the punitive class is a citizen of a State other than that of the citizenship of Defendant. her 3 . Ohio and is the owner of an iPhone 6s. Further. §1332(d) do not apply.000. 4. Plaintiffs and the putative Class must either continue using devices with significant lag time that interferes with their ordinary use. the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates were designed to limit the devices’ performance in certain circumstances. Thus.C. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 5.S.C. exclusive of interest and costs. Having updated their phones at Apple’s instruction. Apple has purposefully availed itself of the privileges of conducting business within the State of Ohio and this District. more than two-thirds of the putative Class reside in states other than the State in which Defendant is domiciled. Plaintiff Lauri Sullivan-Stefanou resides in Cincinnati. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 3 of 14 PAGEID #: 3 Apple represented. She followed Apple’s directions and twice updated her phone. 28 U.C. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U. Since then. 6.
Ohio and was the owner of an iPhone 6. its overall performance has substantially deteriorated. Prior to owning the 6s. send texts. Ms. is a California corporation with its principal offices at 1 Infinite Loop. They told him his only solution was to purchase a replacement phone. 9. her iPhone lost all functionality and shut down. Byer’s iPhone 6 was unable to make telephone calls. Stefanou owned a 4s. which she refused to provide. Apple employees ran diagnostic tests on the phone. the phone takes exceptionally long to locate a contact. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 4 of 14 PAGEID #: 4 phone has exhibited significantly slower processing speed. CA 95014. Byer’s iPhone 7 was rendered useless by the updates that Apple instructed her to install on her iPhone 7. but were unable to repair any of the problems. Mr. or connect to the internet unless within range of accessible wi-fi service. Mrs. Her only remedy was to purchase a new phone. Afterward. 10. Mr. she followed Apple’s instructions to update her phone. upon updating the phone. Mr. Consequently. Mrs. Immediately afterward. Ohio and is the owner of an iPhone 7. Cupertino. Byer followed Apple’s directions to update his iPhone. Defendant Apple Inc. Stefanou resolved the issue only after a Google search. In addition. There was no instruction to decline linking to Apple i-Pay nor any mention of i-Pay in the settings. Apple sells its iPhones in its own retail stores located 4 . Byer took his iPhone to the Apple store in Hamilton County. In the Fall of 2017. which became inoperable. her phone responds slowly to inputs and rapidly loses its charge. her phone instructed her to link to Apple i-Pay and requested her credit card information. Ohio. once re-booted. In December 2017. Plaintiff Carly Byer resides in Cincinnati. which showed her how to turn off the prompt. 8. Plaintiff Jarrod Byer resides in Cincinnati. his phone lost the ability to connect to cellular service. which he was forced to do. Within a week of the update. Overall. Apps take longer to open and when searching for contacts.
including core functions like the phone. contacts. However. Plaintiffs all followed Apple’s instructions to update their iPhones. the only operating system Apple permits on its devices. other Class members experienced similar functionality issues with the iPhone 6 and the Phone 7 after downloading the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates. etc. 5 . the processing speed of iPhones should not normally diminish as a function of battery capacity. and other problems with the phones’ performance or a complete failure of performance. the capacity of lithium-ion batteries degrades over time. After the Updates. including Hamilton County. 13. email. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 5 of 14 PAGEID #: 5 throughout the country. and also through third parties. All iPhones are powered by lithium-ion batteries. FACTUAL BACKGROUND 11. text messages. 14. application launches. The updates caused performance problems in all aspects of the iPhone’s functionality. By nature. Plaintiffs’ phones slowed down significantly. Apple’s intentional conduct causes processing speeds to slow dramatically once the battery condition of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 7 reaches a certain state. 12. Upon information and belief. Ohio. with delayed responses to touch interactions. Apple purposely installed software designed to inhibit the performance of older model iPhones after it introduced new iPhone models as part of a strategy to induce its customers to purchase new iPhones. Apple engineers and licenses to iPhone users its iOS software. online.
better functioning versions of iOS. Upon information and belief. These reminders were constant and disruptive (e. 17.” 6 . The first of these Updates was released on January 23. 16. Defendant’s software constantly reminded Plaintiffs and Class members through pop-up messages that appeared on the devices’ home screens that the software needed to be updated and that an update was available for download. Nor does Defendant warn consumers that the update is irreversible.g. 18. Plaintiffs and Class members had no choice but to update their devices’ software to iOS 10 and iOS 11. In its repetitive advertising of the pop-up messages. Even if an iPhone owner tried to ignore the constant reminders. 2017 – four months after the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus. Further. 19. the reminders would not disappear until the user responded to the message) and the reminders did not cease until the owner had updated the software as directed.1 update promised improved security: “includes bug fixes and improves the security of your iPhone or iPad. The iOS 10.2.. eventually the owner was forced to update the software because the Apps on the devices would ultimately be outdated and could not be updated unless the iPhone was running the latest iOS software. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 6 of 14 PAGEID #: 6 15. Defendant never disclosed the negative aspects of the Updates. Defendant does not allow iPhone owners to revert their iOS 10 or iOS 11 software to previous.
1 updates promised new functionality: “iOS 10. The iOS 10. the iOS 11. Unbeknownst to iPhone 6.2 includes bug fixes and improves the securities of your iPhone or iPad.1 includes bug fixes and improvements for your iPhone or iPad. 2017 respectively).3 introduces new features including the ability to locate AirPods using Find my iPhone and more ways to use Siri with payment. within two months of the release of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X (September 22. the reduced battery capacity of these phones would not have negatively affected processing performance. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 7 of 14 PAGEID #: 7 20. ride booking and automaker [caremaker] apps.3 and 10.2. including “Apple Pay: 7 .2 and 10. 2017 and November 3.” 24. It promised additional features and improvements.2 update was released. 21.3.3. iPhone 6 Plus.3.1 update promised functional improvements to the iPhone: “iOS 11. and iPhone 6s owners. Absent the code inserted by Apple. On December 2.3 updates promised enhancements to security: “iOS 10.3. The iOS 10. 2017. Apple inserted code into the iOS version 10.1 that deliberately slowed down the processing performance of these phones by linking each phone’s processing performance with its battery health.” 23. The iOS 11.” 22.
2017. Some Class members have been forced to purchase new smartphones. We apologize.2. Defendant’s deceptive practices and misleading advertising caused harm and economic loss to Plaintiffs and the Class. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 8 of 14 PAGEID #: 8 25. 26. 8 . On December 28. and plan to add support for other products in the future. We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down. Apple publicly admitted that the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates deliberately slowed down older iPhones. pay hundreds of dollars for a new phone. 27. including the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7. on December 20. after public criticism. 2017. Plaintiffs and Class members are forced to either use a slow iPhone with Apple Pay automatically downloaded. 28. Defendant knew that the functionality of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 7 and/or performance would be negatively affected by the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates before the updates were released to the public. There’s been a lot of misunderstanding about this issue. without warning consumers: Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6. Apple apologized for “how we have communicated”: We’ve been hearing feedback from our customers about the way we handle performance for iPhones with older batteries and how we have communicated that process. Responding to a report on the sluggish iPhones. iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. or now they can purchase a new battery. We’ve now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11. so we would like to clarify and let you know about some changes we’re making.
1 (released on December 13.3. iOS 10.2. For example. 2017).3. Plaintiffs have experienced reduced battery life since the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates. (3) and 23(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on behalf of the following proposed “Class” or “Class Members”: All persons residing in Ohio who own or have owned an iPhone 6 and/or iPhone 7 that was updated to any of the following: iOS 10. 2017). CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS 33. iOS 11. iOS 10.com/en. 2017).1 (released on September 26.” (https://support.3. 2017) and iOS 11.apple. 31. While Apple claims that the deliberate slow-down in functionality was designed to offset shut-down issues with older batteries. 2017).2 (released on October 3.2 (released on November 16. (2). 2017). iOS 10. This action is brought on behalf of the named Plaintiffs and as a Class Action pursuant to Rule 23(b)(1). in advertising for the security updates on its website. iOS 11. stating: “Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product’s security.1. iOS 11. 32. 2017).3 (released on July 19.0. Defendant deceptively touted the necessity of the Updates and the improvements of the new software that would result from the Updates.3. iOS 11. 2017).us/HT201222). iOS 11. Nowhere did Apple ever disclose that its updates would negatively affect the iPhones and their functionality. 2017).1 (released on April 3.2 (released on December 2. iOS 11. iOS 10.1 (released on November 9.1 (released on October 31. 2017). Apple emphasizes the necessity of the updates.3 (released on March 27. iOS 10.3 (released on April 3. 2017). Defendant did not warn iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 owners of the potential consequences of downloading the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates until months after the updates were released to the public. Instead.2.2 (released on May 15. 30.1. 2017).0. 2017).1 (released on January 23.3 (released on October 11. 9 .0. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 9 of 14 PAGEID #: 9 29. iOS 11. 2017).
10 . whether Defendant engaged in unfair or deceptive business practices in violation of Ohio Deceptive Practices Act when it made the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates virtually mandatory for download to iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 owners. whether Defendant’s statements and advertisements to iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 owners concerning the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates constitute an unfair or deceptive business practice in violation of Ohio’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act. d. whether Defendant engaged in unfair or deceptive business practices in violation of Ohio Deceptive Practices Act when it failed to disclose/omitted facts and/or disclaimers to owners of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 7 regarding the adverse effect of the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates on the performance of the devices. it can be ascertained through appropriate discovery. b. Plaintiffs believe that there are thousands of members in the putative Class. Common questions of law and fact exist as to all members of the Class and predominate over any questions solely affecting individual members of the Class. c. 35. whether Defendant engaged in unfair or deceptive business practices in violation of Ohio’s Deceptive Practices Act by using the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates to limit the performance of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 7. The Class is so numerous that joinder of all the members is impracticable. Among the questions of law and fact commons to the Class are: a. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 10 of 14 PAGEID #: 10 34. While the exact number of Class members is unknown to Plaintiffs at this time.
36. the expense and burden of individual litigation make it impossible for members of the Class to individually seek 11 . 38. Plaintiffs and other Class Members were harmed by Defendant’s statements. whether Plaintiffs’ and Class members’ reliance on Defendant’s material misrepresentations was justified. as the damages suffered by individual Class members may be relatively small. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 11 of 14 PAGEID #: 11 e. and the degraded functionality of their devices. advertisements. Plaintiffs are willing and able to prosecute this action on behalf of the Class and have retained counsel competent and experienced in class action litigation. and not antagonistic to. f. knowing that the representations were false. Furthermore. Plaintiffs’ claims are typical of the claims of the members of the Class as all Class members are similarly affected by Defendant’s deceptive conduct. whether Defendant made material false representations of facts regarding the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates. Plaintiffs will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the members of the Class. Plaintiffs’ claims are coextensive with. whether Defendant made these material false representations with the intent to mislead Plaintiffs and Class members as to the purpose of the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates. A class action is superior to all other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of this controversy since joinder of all members is impracticable. 37. All Class members have been harmed by Defendant’s failure to disclose to warn iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 owners that the iOS 10 and iOS 11 Updates would significantly impact the performance of their devices. the claims of other Class members. g.
Plaintiffs incorporate by reference and reallege each and every allegation contained above. 39. The proposed Class is sufficiently cohesive to warrant class and representative treatment. In the absence of appropriate injunctive relief. as though fully set forth herein. Plaintiffs do not anticipate any difficulty in the management of the action as a class action. Plaintiffs bring this action pursuant to Rule 23(b)(3) because common questions of law and fact predominate over issues that tare individual to members of the Class.01 et seq. Certification under Rule 23(b)(3) is also appropriate because a class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of this action. Defendant’s uniform conduct towards Plaintiffs and other Class Members makes certification of a Rule 23(b)(c) class appropriate. Defendant’s conduct was consumer oriented because Defendant falsely advertised. recklessly or knowingly 12 . and negligently. 40. FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION (Violation of Ohio’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act §4165. thereby making final injunctive relief concerning the Class as a whole appropriate. There will be no difficulty in the management of this action as a class action. Plaintiffs also bring this action pursuant to Rule 23(b)(3) because Defendant has acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to all Class members. Defendant has the ability and the records that would permit Plaintiffs a plausible class-wide method for proving the case. Defendant will continue is unfair and deceptive practices. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 12 of 14 PAGEID #: 12 redress for the wrongs done to them. The expense of litigating each Class members’ claim individually would be so cost prohibitive as to deny Class members a viable remedy. 42. Upon information and belief.) 41. made materially misleading statements.
By reason of the foregoing. 48. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE. as follows: A. Plaintiffs and the Class are entitled to damages and attorneys’ fees pursuant to Ohio’s Deceptive Practices Act. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 13 of 14 PAGEID #: 13 omitted/failed to disclose material information to consumers throughout Ohio regarding the performance of its product and software. Plaintiff and the Class respectfully pray for judgment and relief in their favor against the Defendant. Enjoining Defendant’s unlawful practices. and 13 . Plaintiffs and Class members suffered damages as a result of Defendant’s actions. Awarding Plaintiffs and the Class damages to the maximum amount allowed. Defendant omitted and/or misrepresented material facts to Plaintiffs and Class members through its advertising and public statements. 46. SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION (Common Law Fraud) 44. as though fully set forth herein. Plaintiffs and Class members justifiably relied on Defendant’s misrepresentations. 43. Awarding reasonable attorneys’ fees. 47. C. 45. Plaintiffs and the Class have been harmed economically and by losing use of a functional iPhone. B. and as a result of Defendant’s conduct. Defendant had knowledge of the failure to disclose and/or misrepresentations of material facts and that this was done with an intent to mislead Plaintiffs and Class members. Plaintiffs incorporate by reference and reallege each and every allegation contained above.
Wayne /s/ Phyllis E.. OH 45202 Cincinnati. Wayne (0022390) Phyllis E. Suite 1500 150 East Fourth Street Cincinnati.com Attorneys for Plaintiffs Attorneys for Plaintiffs 40789 14 .com abrown@blfohio. LPA BROWN LAW FIRM. JURY TRIAL DEMANDED Plaintiffs demand a jury on all claims so triable. /s/ Richard S. Brown Richard S.com jjbraun@strausstroy. Brown (0037334) Joseph J. Granting such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Brown (0078803) STRAUSS TROY CO. Respectfully submitted. Ohio 45202-4018 Telephone: 513-878-2700 (513) 621-2120 – Telephone Facsimile: 513-906-8690 (513) 629-9426 – Facsimile Email: pbrown@blfohio. 5th Street. Braun (0069757) Adam S. Case: 1:18-cv-00007-TSB Doc #: 1 Filed: 01/04/18 Page: 14 of 14 PAGEID #: 14 D.com Email: rswayne@strausstroy. LLC The Federal Reserve Building 250 E.

References: §4165
 §1391
 §1391
 §1332
 §1332
 §4165