Apple Will Soon Send Payments in $500 Million ‘Batterygate’ iPhone Throttling Lawsuit

Apple Settles Lawsuit Over iPhone Battery Throttling

Consumers Affected by iPhone Slowing to Receive Compensation

Apple Inc. has agreed to pay out a staggering $500 million to settle the famous ‘Batterygate’ lawsuit, which accused the tech giant of deliberately slowing down older iPhone models. This move comes as a relief for millions of Apple users who experienced a gradual decline in performance with their devices. The settlement marks the conclusion of a years-long legal battle, ensuring compensation for affected consumers.

The lawsuit initially emerged in 2017 when iPhone users began to notice a significant decrease in the speed and responsiveness of their older devices. It was later revealed that Apple had implemented software updates intentionally throttling the performance of iPhones with aging batteries. Apple claimed this was to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by degraded battery capability. However, affected consumers argued that this was a breach of trust and created a push for legal action.

The roughly 60 million iPhone owners who were impacted by the throttling will now have the opportunity to receive compensation as part of the settlement. Apple has pledged to pay $65 for each affected device. The final payout amount will vary depending on the number of eligible claims received, but with millions of potentially eligible individuals, the sum is expected to be substantial.

In addition to monetary compensation, Apple has also agreed to be more transparent about its iPhone battery management systems. The company will make detailed information available to consumers regarding battery health, performance throttling, and device optimization. Apple hopes that by enhancing transparency, users will have a clearer understanding of the performance management practices employed by the company.

How do I get money from Apple lawsuit?

To receive the payment from Apple’s lawsuit, you need to have signed the claim form before October 6, 2020, and meet the other eligibility criteria. You can choose to receive your payment by check or electronic payment. If you did not sign the claim form or do not meet the criteria, you are not eligible for the payment.

The eligibility criteria are:

• You are or were a United States owner of an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and/or SE device.
• Your device ran iOS 10.2.1 or later or, in the case of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices, iOS 11.2 or later before December 21, 2017.
• You experienced diminished performance on your device.

The document that explains how the Apple customers who were affected by the reduced performance of their devices will be paid is the Settlement Agreement and Release. This document is a legal contract between Apple and the plaintiffs who filed the class action lawsuit against Apple for allegedly slowing down their iPhones. The document contains the terms and conditions of the settlement, including the eligibility criteria, the claim process, the payment amount, and the release of claims. You can find the document on the official website of the settlement: Settlement Agreement Release.

When will people get the settlement money?

It’s unclear when exactly eligible users will receive their settlement checks. 

Neither Apple nor lawyers for Apple customers immediately responded to requests for comment. 

Why has it taken so long for people to get their money?

In general, most class actions take between two and three years to resolve, though some may take longer, particularly if a court ruling is appealed, according to class-action consumer resource, ClassAction.org. 

Court procedures and the appeals process have dragged out the batterygate class-action lawsuit, prolonging the amount of time until claimants get their money. 

How Will This Lawsuit Affect Apple Users?

• Compensation for affected consumers: iPhone users who experienced performance issues due to battery throttling can expect monetary compensation, with each eligible device entitling the owner to $65.
• Increased transparency: Apple will provide more information about battery health and performance management in its devices, allowing users to make more informed decisions.
• Rebuilding trust: The settlement helps Apple regain the trust of its customers, considering the allegations of intentionally slowing down older iPhone models without providing proper explanations.
• Enhanced user experience: With a clearer understanding of battery management practices, Apple users can now optimize their device’s performance and extend battery life more effectively.
• A precedent for future cases: This lawsuit and its resolution set a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for their actions pertaining to device performance and user experience.

It is important to note that the settlement is still subject to approval by the U.S. District Court in San Jose, California. Once approved, Apple will start the process of notifying affected iPhone owners and providing them with instructions to submit claims. The settlement offers some closure for iPhone users who felt that their devices were intentionally slowed down, while also encouraging companies to be more transparent and accountable in their practices.

Apple’s latest move demonstrates a commitment to its users, acknowledging past mistakes, and taking steps toward rebuilding confidence. It serves as a reminder of the ever-growing importance of user trust in the tech industry and the significance of holding companies responsible for their actions.