Apple Users Finally Receive Payout in iPhone Slowdown Lawsuit
Apple users who were affected by the intentional slowdown of iPhones are finally receiving their $65 payout after a five-year class action lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in 2018, alleged that Apple deliberately slowed down older iPhones to push consumers to upgrade to newer models. In March 2020, Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle the case, but the settlement faced an appeal from two iPhone owners. However, the appeal was recently denied by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, clearing the way for the payout to be distributed.
The Background of the Lawsuit
In 2017, Apple admitted to slowing down the iOS software on older iPhones, stating that it was to prevent older batteries from unexpectedly shutting off the devices. However, Apple claimed that the software update was not designed to force customers to purchase new batteries or upgrade to newer iPhone models. The class action lawsuit, representing roughly three million claims, accused Apple of violating various laws, including the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and California’s Unfair Competition Law.
The Litigation Process and Settlement Approval
Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, the law firm representing the iPhone claimants, announced that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Apple’s motion to dismiss the case, allowing the litigation to move forward. After years of investigation and litigation, a settlement was reached and approved. Mark C. Molumphy, a partner at the law firm, expressed pride in the approval of the settlement, stating that impacted Apple customers can now receive immediate cash payments.
Apple’s Denial and Settlement Amount
Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the case. However, the company agreed to pay between $310 million and $500 million to the claimants. The amount each person receives depends on the number of claim approvals. Some claims are still under consideration, and the affected iPhones include the iPhone 6, 6Plus, 6s Plus, and SE running on iOS 10 2.1 systems before December 21, 2017, as well as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus running on iOS 11.2 or later before that date.
Impact and Conclusion
The settlement in the iPhone slowdown lawsuit signifies a significant victory for Apple consumers who felt deceived by the intentional slowdown of their devices. It also highlights the importance of transparency and full disclosure by technology companies when making updates to their products. The batterygate scandal sparked investigations in over 30 states, emphasizing the need for companies like Apple to be held accountable for their practices.
While the deadline to make a claim for the payout has passed, affected users who have already made claims can find more information on the designated website. Apple has not yet commented on the recent development of the case.
Takeaways
- Apple has agreed to pay between $310 million and $500 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding the intentional slowdown of older iPhones.
- The settlement follows a five-year litigation process and the recent denial of an appeal by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Apple denies any wrongdoing but has agreed to make cash payments to impacted customers.
- The settlement emphasizes the importance of transparency and full disclosure by technology companies.
- The deadline to make a claim for the payout has passed, but affected users can find more information on the designated website.
