Apple Faces Suit Alleging Product ‘Booby Traps’ Prevent Repairs

Apple Inc. makes it difficult for consumers to independently repair its devices, allowing the company to corner the repair market and charge exorbitant prices, while harming the environment, small businesses, and low-income communities, a suit filed in California state court alleges.

A proposed class of Apple customers sued the retailer in Santa Clara Superior Court, alleging various state law violations including unfair business practices and unjust enrichment. The suit seeks an injunction blocking Apple from continuing to impede third-party repairs.

Apple threatens customers with loss of warranty coverage and withholds parts, tools, and repair manuals from independent repair shops, preventing ...