If you have ever shopped at an Apple retail store, you might have noticed that all the staff there are equipped with iPods, iPads, and so on. Not only are the iOS devices used to bring up customer information, but they are also used to make payments.It is unsurprising given that it is also a great way to help promote the use of iOS devices not just on the consumer level, but on the retail level as well. While this is a great way to demonstrate Apple’s technology, it seems that not everyone is a fan.
In a recent class action lawsuit filed last week, plaintiff David New alleges that Apple’s point of sale (POS) system discriminates against the visually impaired. He also argues that Apple is in violation of the Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
He gives an example of how other retail stores use “tactiley discernible keypad surfaces” where customers can enter their debit card pin into them, versus Apple who primarily uses touchscreen devices, which unless certain settings have been set, aren’t exactly user-friendly to those who are visually impaired.
According to the lawsuit, “Plaintiff intends to continue to be a customer of Defendant’s stores, and desires to make future payments by debit card. However, unless Defendant is required to install ADA compliant POS Devices, Plaintiff will continue to be unable to independently make payments for any purchases by debit card.”
The lawsuit goes on to read, “Defendant does not provide any auxiliary aids or services calculated to make its POS Devices fully accessible to, and independently usable by, blind people. As a result of Defendant’s non-compliance with the ADA, Plaintiff and the Class, unlike persons without visual impairments, cannot independently make a debit purchase at Defendant’s stores.”
What do you guys think? Does David New have a case here? In a way this case is ironic given how in the past Apple has always tried to make their devices as accessible as possible for its users with disabilities.
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