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Apple agreed to pay $150,000 to settle claims that its retail stores across New Jersey did not properly display the prices of electronic devices and accessories, according to authorities.

In a Jan. 15 press release, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin noted the penalty is the state’s largest-ever settlement under the Merchandise Pricing Act.

The consent order stems from a state Division of Consumer Affairs reinspection of 11 local Apple stores. These sites are subject to a 2017 agreement that requires the retailer to ensure prices for electronic devices, such as iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and Apple Watches, stay continuously displayed on tables, the state said.

The California-based tech giant originally entered that pact to address claims that its in-store digital pricing system violated consumer protection laws requiring prices be plainly marked with a stamp, label or sign near the merchandise, according to the AG’s office. During the DCA’s recent follow-up visits, investigators “found numerous display tables that lacked pricing information required by the 2017 consent order,” the state said.

Additionally, officials said every store offered charging cables, protective cases and audio devices without a selling price on or near the item, as required by the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

In plain sight

Several stores also failed to conspicuously post their refund policies, the state said.

Within New Jersey, Apple has locations in Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, East Rutherford, Edison, Lawrence Township, Marlton, Paramus, Rockaway, Short Hills, Wayne and Woodcliff Lake.

Going forward, Apple agreed to make several business changes. Updates included only offering products for sale clearly marked with a price, not requiring customers to use an electronic device in order to determine a price and clearly posting refund policies, the AG’s office said.

There is no excuse for Apple’s repeated misconduct here, and consumers deserve better.
– Matthew Platkin, NJ attorney general

In a statement, Platkin said, “At a time when prices are skyrocketing, consumers deserve to know what they’re paying for products on the shelves. Once again, Apple has violated the law by failing to display the prices for products in their retail stores—keeping consumers in the dark.”

“It’s bad enough when companies violate the law once. It’s even worse when they are held accountable for violating consumers’ rights and then engage in the same unlawful conduct again. There is no excuse for Apple’s repeated misconduct here, and consumers deserve better,” he said.

A spokesperson for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.