Apple Warranty Practices Criticized by European Consumer Groups

Apple Inc.’s advertising of product warranty practices was criticized by a group of European consumer organizations ahead of an Italian case over the issue.

Apple products say they come with a one-year warranty when European Union law requires manufacturers cover goods for two years, consumer groups in 11 countries, including Italy and Germany, said in an e-mailed statement today. The groups said they sent letters to national regulators seeking an immediate halt to Apple’s practices on the guarantees.