Apple Inc. has initiated payments to claimants in a long-standing class action lawsuit in the United States, centered around allegations that the tech giant intentionally slowed down older iPhone models. The lawsuit, which has been a focal point of consumer rights discussions, involves a settlement of $500 million (£394 million), with individual complainants expected to receive approximately $92 (£72) each.
This development follows Apple’s 2020 agreement to settle the lawsuit, although the company maintained its stance of denying any wrongdoing. Apple’s decision to settle was influenced by the desire to avoid the escalating costs of continued litigation.
The origins of the US lawsuit trace back to December 2017, when Apple acknowledged that it had deliberately reduced the performance of some iPhones as they aged. The company justified this action as a necessary measure to prolong the lifespan of the phones, stating that battery performance deteriorated over time. However, the lack of transparency from Apple led to accusations of intentionally throttling iPhone performance without informing customers. The ensuing backlash compelled Apple to offer discounted battery replacements to address the issue.
Interestingly, while the US lawsuit only involved iPhone 6 and 7 models, a similar ongoing legal battle in the UK encompasses a broader range of devices, including iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X models. This UK lawsuit, led by Justin Gutmann and representing an estimated 24 million iPhone users, seeks £1.6 billion in compensation. In November, Apple’s attempt to block this mass action lawsuit was unsuccessful.
