Italy: Apple fined about $12 million for ‘misleading’ claims about iPhone water resistance

As noted by AppleInsider, Apple has been fined by the Italian Antitrust Authority for 10 million euro (about US$12 million) for misleading consumers in marketing the water-resistance of its iPhones.

The fine from the regulator was laid against Apple Distribution International and Apple Italia SRL, over two commercial practices in how it marketed Apple’s smartphone range from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 11. In its advertising, Apple says its iPhones can withstand water for depths ranging from 1 meter to 4 meters, and for up to 30 minutes. On the first count, Apple was accused of not properly clarifying to consumers that the depths and timing work under specific conditions, such as lab-controlled testing with static and pure water.

According to AppleInsider, the Antitrust Authority also felt Apple acted inappropriately in refusing offering warranty assistance for liquid damage following sales. Sanctions against both Apple Distribution International and Apple Italia SRL include both the fine and an order to publish a link on its website covering Italy linking to a document about the regulatory findings.