"Repair Cost 1.25 Million Won? ... Never Again" Chinese Actor Smashes iPhone in Front of Apple Store

"Charged Repair Costs for Unauthorized Modifications"
Apple Steps In to Address Growing Controversy

Amid the soaring popularity of Apple's new iPhone 15 in China, a video of a famous actor throwing an iPhone is rapidly spreading within the country.

On the 17th, well-known Chinese male actor Liu Jin posted a video on Weibo showing himself going to an Apple store in Hebei and throwing his iPhone in anger over the expensive repair costs, even declaring a boycott.

On the 17th, famous Chinese male actor Liu Jin, angered by the expensive repair costs of Apple iPhones, went all the way to an Apple store in Hebei and threw his iPhone down, posting a video on Weibo stating he would even boycott.
[Photo by Liu Jin on Weibo]

In the video, Liu Jin said that after using his iPhone 13 Pro Max for 1 year and 19 days, the mainboard developed a problem. He added that he had received approval from Apple to get the repair done free of charge.

However, a week after handing over the device for repair, Apple notified Liu Jin that the phone had been "unauthorizedly modified" and that a repair fee of 6,960 yuan (approximately 1.25 million KRW) would be charged.

Ryu Jin, who smashed his phone by throwing it on the ground in front of the store, officially declared that he would never purchase Apple products again.
[Photo by Ryu Jin (Liu Jin) Weibo]

Having never modified the iPhone, he protested to customer service. The only response he received was that it was "based on factory test inspection standards." Liu Jin said, "Apple's behavior is utterly arrogant," and after smashing the phone in front of the store, he officially declared that he would never purchase Apple products again.

Chinese netizens commented on the video, saying, "The report issued by Apple is legally certified," "Could it be that the phone was disassembled or repaired by someone other than Apple?" "Have you ever considered the possibility that the product you bought at an official Apple store might not have gone through official distribution channels?" and "Many authorized stores in the mainland sell refurbished devices." Some even pointed out that he was using an iPhone while posting the video.

He, who had never modified his iPhone, complained to the customer service center. The response he received was only that it was "based on the factory test inspection standards." Ryu Jin said, "Apple's behavior is utterly arrogant," and after smashing his phone by throwing it down in front of the store, he declared, "I officially announce that I will never purchase Apple products again."
[Photo by Liu Jin on Weibo]

As the controversy quickly spread on social media, Apple took steps to address the issue. An Apple Store employee stated, "We have recorded feedback on the matter and a specialized team will investigate," adding, "We will collect backend information and request the manager to conduct a situation investigation."

Despite recent restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities banning government officials from using iPhones, the iPhone 15 has seen an 'open run' phenomenon with consumers flocking to purchase it immediately upon release. Taiwanese media M News reported that the Apple website in China even crashed at the time of the iPhone 15 launch.