Apple to Settle $20 Million Class Action Lawsuit for Early Watch Models
Apple has agreed to pay $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to the Apple Watch, affecting users who experienced battery swelling issues. The lawsuit includes first-generation models along with Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. If you owned any of these models and reported battery issues to Apple, you may be eligible for compensation ranging from $20 to $50. Read on to find out how to claim your payout and see if you’re eligible.
Apple Watch Battery Issue Settlement
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and claimed that certain Apple Watches had battery swelling issues that could damage internal components. Though Apple has denied any wrongdoing, they have settled the lawsuit to avoid further litigation.
Suppose you are a US resident who owned one of the affected Apple Watch models and reported the issue to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024. In that case, you may be eligible for a settlement. According to the settlement agreement, eligible users will receive compensation depending on the number of claims filed.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
Not every Apple Watch owner is eligible for the payout. Here are the specific eligibility criteria:
- You must have owned one of the affected models: the Apple Watch (1st generation), Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3.
- You should have reported a battery swelling issue to Apple customer service within the specified date range.
- You must be a US resident.
If you meet these criteria, you may receive an email or letter from Apple directing you to the settlement website where you can submit your claim.
Apple’s Statement
Apple has maintained its stance that the affected watches were not faulty. In a statement, they said, “Apple strongly disagrees with the claims in this lawsuit.” However, the company has agreed to the $20 million settlement to “avoid additional litigation” and further complications. Apple’s decision to settle is in line with other similar lawsuits, such as the one they recently resolved regarding Siri and privacy concerns.
Steps to Claim Your Settlement
If you believe you are eligible for the settlement, here’s how you can claim your payout:
- Visit the settlement website provided by Apple.
- Submit your claim along with the necessary proof that you reported the battery swelling issue to Apple.
- Await the processing of claims, with payouts ranging between $20 and $50.
The deadline for claims submission is February 6, 2024, so be sure to act promptly.
The Impact of the Settlement
Though Apple has discontinued all models included in the settlement, this lawsuit highlights the importance of product quality and customer satisfaction. The most recent affected model, the Apple Watch Series 3, was released in 2017 and was available until 2022. This settlement shows Apple’s willingness to resolve customer issues, even if it does not admit fault.
ALSO READ: How to Disable or Enable Apple Intelligence on iPhone Easily
