On Tuesday, Apple Inc. caved into pressure from Chinese consumers who demanded an apology over the company's warranty policies in China. The company issued a statement in Chinese signed by CEO Tim Cook on their website expressing regret for any "concern or misunderstanding" in the country.
"We are aware that due to insufficient communication, the public holds the idea that Apple is arrogant, disregards or pays little attention to the feedback of consumers," read the statement. "Therefore, we want to express our sincere apology for any concern or misunderstanding arising from the process."
The company acknowledged China's criticism toward its warranty policies and promised to take steps toward fixing its warranty in China, Apples' number two market for sales.
"We have always respected China and Chinese consumers have always been our priority among priorities," Cook noted in the statement.
The letter was issued as a response to the China Consumer's Association (CCA) who insisted that Apple "sincerely apologize" to Chinese consumers and "thoroughly correct its problems", after the US firm took little action to address waves of criticism started by the national broadcaster China Central Television.
CCTV accused Apple of offering discriminatory after-sales services in China in a special TV program to mark the International Day for Protecting Consumers' Rights March 15.
However, Apple argued that "nearly 90 percent of consumers are satisfied with our warranty policies".
In the statement, Apple said the company is making major adjustments to improve its after-sales services for Chinese consumers, including improving its warranty for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, enhancing supervision over and training for authorized service providers.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
