Apple Sued Over Wi-Fi Assist Feature

An iPhone feature Apple said could help make Internet use faster has led to a proposed class-action lawsuit. The claimants say Apple's decision to switch "WiFi Assist" on by default left them with unexpected cellphone service bills.

The idea of the feature, introduced with iOS9 (the latest edition of the iPhone operating system) was to solve the problems that come when an iPhone has problems connecting to a WiFi connection, especially if the signal is low.

Because most phones are always set to prefer WiFi connections over cellular data when possible, this can lead to the situation where the phone is so slow over WiFi that it is actually slower than using cellular data. In extreme, cases the phone may stick to WiFi but the connection is too slow, which makes Internet features virtually useless.

Phone Automatically Switches to Cellular Data

WiFi Assist works by checking the wireless signal strength; if it's particularly low, the phone will then automatically switch to a cellular data connection. The phone depicts the switch by changing the connection icon at the top of the screen.

The two plaintiffs who have brought the case forward say that Apple's introduction of the feature has two big problems. The first is that although users can turn off the feature, WiFi Assist is switched on by default as soon as anyone upgrades their phone to iOS9.

The second is that, according to the plaintiffs, Apple didn't do enough to warn users about the potential increase in cellular data use if WiFi Assist automatically switches their phones to use cellular data. (Source: appleinsider.com)

Plaintiffs Say the Feature Cost Them Cash

According to the plaintiffs, it's led to using more cellular phone data than expected, which in turn racked up overage charges because their cellphone plans have monthly usage limits.

Not only do they want Apple to pick up the tab, but they've applied for class action status. If granted, that means anyone in the same situation could automatically join in the case and share in any favorable verdict, rather than have to file their own lawsuit. The plaintiffs say the damages could be more than $5 million, though that's very much an estimate designed to show the scope of the case, rather than a precise figure. (Source: engadget.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Was Apple right to have Wifi Assist be switched on by default? Should it be responsible for any cellular charges? Or is it the user's responsibility to keep track of settings on their phone?