In a recent legal development, Apple Inc. has successfully defended against a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging unauthorized cellular data usage by its iOS 13 operating system. The case, initiated by plaintiff Alasdair Turner in 2020, claimed that iOS 13 transmitted data over cellular networks without user consent, even when users had disabled mobile data access for specific applications. This activity was purportedly misrepresented in the iPhone’s settings under the label Uninstalled Apps.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila presided over the case and ultimately denied the motion to certify the lawsuit as a class action. The judge determined that the case was heavily reliant on individualized facts, making it unsuitable for class certification. This decision represents a procedural victory for Apple, although the lawsuit will continue on a more limited basis.
Background of the Case
Turner’s allegations centered on the assertion that Apple utilized cellular data to support internal processes, such as software development, even when Wi-Fi was available. He contended that users were unable to disable this activity, leading to unexpected data usage. In Turner’s specific situation, this behavior resulted in exceeding his 5GB Verizon data plan, incurring a $15 overage charge.
The lawsuit encompassed claims under California’s consumer protection and computer fraud statutes. Additionally, it accused Apple of trespass to chattels, a legal concept addressing unauthorized interference with personal property. Turner argued that Apple’s software diminished the functionality of his iPhone and consumed a resource—his cellular data—for which he had paid.
Apple responded by filing a motion to dismiss the case, challenging the validity of most of Turner’s claims. The court dismissed Turner’s request for an injunction and found that certain fraud-related allegations lacked sufficient support.
Implications of the Ruling
While the judge’s decision prevents the case from proceeding as a class action, Turner retains the right to pursue his individual claims. The court has granted him permission to amend parts of his complaint to address specific legal deficiencies.
This lawsuit echoes previous controversies regarding iOS’s handling of mobile data. Notably, in 2015, Apple faced a class action over the Wi-Fi Assist feature in iOS 9, which automatically switched users to cellular data when Wi-Fi signals were weak. That case was eventually resolved without a court ruling on Apple’s liability.
Moving forward, Turner must update his complaint to continue the case independently. Without class certification, the responsibility of proving Apple’s liability and any resulting damages rests solely on him. As of now, Apple has not publicly commented on the ongoing lawsuit.
