14 DAY TRIAL // Italy’s antitrust watchdog has issued a fine of no less than 10 million euros (that’s around $12 million) for Apple due to the marketing strategy the company used in the country related to the water resistance of its iPhones.
More specifically, the Cupertino-based tech giant bragged about the water resistance of the iPhone in its marketing campaign in Italy, promising the device can withstand water at a depth of up to four meters for a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on the model.
Italy, however, says that while iPhones do come with water resistance, Apple didn’t make it clear enough in its ads that the tests were conducted in a controlled environment where the conditions are different from the real life where the smartphones would be exposed when used by customers.
In other words, Apple claimed it tested the iPhones to determine their water resistance, only that the company used conditions that are totally different from the ones the devices would have to deal with when it lands in our hands.
And what this means is that the iPhone could end up suffering liquid damage even if you submerge them in water that’s not as deep as the one indicated by Apple and for less than 30 minutes.
Italy also says Apple has refused to repair the iPhone under warranty for water damage.
Don’t swim with your iPhone, Apple says
On its website, Apple explains it loud and clear that the tested iPhone models are “splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions.”
The company recommends against swimming or bathing with an iPhone, using the device in a sauna or Steam room, or intentionally submerge the smartphone in water because this could lead to serious damage.
“If your iPhone has been exposed to liquid, unplug all cables and do not charge your device until it’s completely dry. Using accessories or charging when wet might damage your iPhone. Allow at least 5 hours before charging with a Lightning cable or connecting a Lightning accessory,” Apple says.