Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $20 million to settle claims arising from a class action lawsuit filed over battery swelling issues associated with early-generation Apple Watch models. The lawsuit, initiated back in 2018, highlighted problems with the Apple Watch Series 0 through Series 3, which were alleged to have defects leading to swollen batteries, causing displays to detach or crack.
The issue became apparent to users as early as 2017 when owners of the original Apple Watch reported their devices showing signs of battery swelling. This led to the display pushing away from the casing, causing concerns about both functionality and safety. Apple responded by offering customers three-year extended warranties for the Series 0 model, eventually extending service for certain Series 2 models as well.
Despite acknowledging some issues with battery swelling, Apple rejected claims relating to cracked or detached screens. The company labeled this damage as “accidental,” effectively denying warranty coverage—actions which prompted the class action lawsuit. The complaint accused Apple of knowing about these defects before the watches were sold and of maintaining a company policy to dismiss consumer complaints as the result of user damage.
According to reports by CNET, the settlement does not equate to any admission of wrongdoing by Apple. Spokespeople for the tech giant stated, “This settlement applies to purchasers of Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase... While we strongly disagree with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models, we agreed to settle to avoid future litigation.”
The total payout of $20 million translates to individual payments ranging from $20 to $50, based on how many complaints were filed by eligible users. To qualify for compensation, Apple Watch owners must have owned one of the affected models and reported the issues to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024. Those on record are expected to receive notifications via email or postcard confirming their eligibility.
For users wanting to claim their settlement, it's advised to visit watchsettlement.com, where they can confirm or update their payment details. Payments will be processed using the information readily available to Apple on record, but individuals may want to double-check their details to expedite the process. The final deadline for settling claims is April 10, 2025.
It's significant to note, as part of the settlement conditions, any user who accepts the payout will waive their right to pursue any additional claims against Apple related to this battery swelling issue. There are options available for those wishing to dispute the settlement; they can opt-out by February 24, 2025, which would allow them to potentially file other claims against the company.
The forthcoming compensation and settlement await approval from the court handling the case. Should the court give the green light, affected parties can expect their payments after any possible appeals are resolved. This situation places Apple under scrutiny once more, especially having recently faced challenges with its products’ safety, as seen with the recent penalties levied against competitor Fitbit for its own battery issues.
The ramifications of this lawsuit and the subsequent settlement may influence perceptions of Apple products among loyal users and prospective customers alike. Individuals considering purchasing Apple Watches may weigh the history of these issues against the brand’s promises of quality and safety, all of which are now part of the dialogue surrounding the company.