Apple sued over MagSafe

Apple is the target of yet another lawsuit, as a joint complaint accuses the company of distributing unsafe MagSafe power adapters and forcing customers to buy replacements instead of addressing the problem with an improved design, according to AppleInsider. The plaintiffs, including Tim Broad, Jesse Reisman and Naotaka Kitagawa, claim the cables inevitably break down, leading to wire fraying that causes a potential fire hazard.

The filing argues that standard use, such as winding the cable around the guides, is all that is needed to damage the adapter. Broad claims the plastic covering melted, exposing the wires and building enough heat to start a house fire. "It almost burned my hand when I brushed it accidentally," he claims.

The plaintiffs assert Apple has failed to act on a widespread problem, directing customers to Apple service locations just to recommend a second purchase of a new adapter. The lawyers seek class action status, as the issues are known to be experienced by "at least thousands" of customers and possibly into the hundreds of thousands.

Apple is also charged with violating California's business codes and breaching the explicit and implied warranties for its devices. The plaintiffs are asking for refunds to cover any associated cost, along with punitive damages and a public warning issues by the company.

by MacNN Staff