Audio By Carbonatix
Apple is being sued for $5 million in a class-action lawsuit over its Wi-Fi Assist feature, which is meant to speed up people’s internet connections.
The tool is supposed to help users out by having the phone automatically switch to the phone’s data connection rather than Wi-Fi if the latter is running slow. But the lawsuit claims that users are being charged for data use without knowing it, since their phones are automatically switching over to cellular data and so using up their allocation.
The lawsuit claims that Apple has “downplayed” the consequences of the feature, and that people have not been sufficiently warned that their phones were using up their data.
The feature is turned on by default, and users are not made aware that it is active by their phones. But Apple has launched a support page for the feature which says that phones will only switch over for less data-intensive tasks, like email, rather than heavy ones like streaming videos.
“Because you'll stay connected to the Internet over cellular when you have a poor Wi-Fi connection, you might use more cellular data,” Apple’s support page says “For most users, this should only be a small percentage higher than previous usage.”
The lawsuit claims that page was created too late for many people. The couple bringing the legal action — William Scott Phillips and Suzanne Schmidt Philips — argue that they had already lost money by going over their allowances.
They are suing Apple for unfair competition, false advertising and negligent misrepresentation under California law.
Wi-Fi Assist can be turned off in the iPhone’s settings. To dos, users can head to the Settings app and then choose Cellular. From there, the feature can be toggled on and off.
Latest Stories
-
Parents call for return of corporal punishment to address indiscipline in schools
11 minutes -
Western Regional Minister calls for national strategy to revive highlife music
22 minutes -
Health Minister receives report on Zipline drone delivery system
29 minutes -
Colombia’s Vice President visits Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
38 minutes -
DVLA’s new number plates; some observations…
44 minutes -
Twellium named Ultimate Best Manufacturing Company of the Year at Ghana Beverage Awards 2025
52 minutes -
Chief Justice orders immediate closure of Kwame Danso District Court after violent attacks
1 hour -
Russia hits back at Europe’s big plan to loan Moscow’s frozen cash to Ukraine
1 hour -
US FDA intends to put its most serious warning on Covid-19 vaccines, sources say
1 hour -
Diana Hamilton feeds over 450 school children at Bukom Park
1 hour -
We’ll reconsider our decision following President Mahama’s request – Mahama Ayariga on anti-OSP bill
1 hour -
Woodin, Cacao unveil sustainable ready-to-wear collection targeting Africa’s next-gen fashion consumers
1 hour -
Ghanaian journalist wins Prestigious Africa Science Journalism Award
2 hours -
Ghanaian businesses urged to engage transaction advisors to spur growth and investment
2 hours -
EPA cautions against entry into abandoned mine sites
2 hours
