HAGENS BERMAN

Date Filed: January 10, 2011
Ticker Symbol: NASDAQ: AAPL

Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro is investigating claims that Apple’s iPhone 4 was manufactured with a defective glass casing, making the screen prone to scratches and shattering during normal use.

The investigation was sparked by consumer reports that the phone’s new aluminosilicate glass components scratch easily and shatter when dropped from even small distances.

Apple has marketed the aluminosilicate glass – which covers the phone’s front and back - as a feature of the new phone, introduced June 24, 2010. Previous generations of iPhones were made with full plastic backs or, in the case of the original iPhone, an aluminum and plastic back.

The investigation includes all Apple iPhone 4 devices that suffered glass damage during normal and reasonable use, including scratches on the surface of the screen, or complete shattering of the phone’s surface.

Within the first week of the Apple iPhone 4’s release, consumers began to express concern that the new glass casing made the device prone to scratches during normal use. Apple, in some instances, charged consumers to repair the broken or scratched glass, media reports contend.

Hagens Berman is investigating these consumer and media complaints to determine if Apple failed to live up to its requirements under a variety of consumer protection laws including its obligation under express warranty. It is also investigating Apple’s iPhone 4 advertising and marketing materials to determine if Apple deceived consumers by claiming that the iPhone 4 was more durable than previous versions of the iPhone.

If you own an Apple iPhone 4 and have experienced scratches or shattering of the glass during normal use, please share your story with us here.