“There’s an app for that.”
That’s a phrase that’s all too common these days, as Apple’s television spots remind us that no matter what you want to do, you can do it with an app on the iPhone. But not everybody in the U.K. thought that was true. The Advertising Standards Authority received 10 complaints from consumers saying the ads were misleading. Specifically, the voice-over on the commercial stated that the apps were “only on the iPhone.” The complaints argued that the G1 had a store where applications could also be downloaded.
Apple’s position was that the “only on the iPhone claim” followed directly from the phrase “theres an app for just about everything.” They also argued that the App Store provided a unique experience not offered by any other company.
Apple pointed to the number of apps it offers, now more than 65,000 and the multitouch features of the phone itself.
Ultimately, the Advertising Standards Authority agreed with Apple. In rendering its decision it said that “viewers would understand the claim “Only on the iPhone” to refer to the range of apps available and the user experience of the App Store and iPhone, and not that they were the only company to provide applications for mobile phones.”
Because they were “justified and not misleading,” Apple can continue to show the ads on TV.