Apple Settles “Batterygate” Lawsuit, Will Pay Up to $500 Million to iPhone Users
Cupertino, CA – In a major development, tech giant Apple has agreed to pay between $310 million and $500 million to up to 3 million iPhone users who experienced performance slowdowns on their older devices after software updates. The settlement is part of a class-action lawsuit known as “batterygate,” which accused Apple of intentionally slowing down iPhones with aging batteries through software updates.
The settlement comes after a judge dismissed Apple’s appeal to challenge the lawsuit, ending a prolonged legal battle. The case, which has garnered significant attention, revolves around software updates that intentionally slowed down the performance of certain iPhone models to prevent unexpected shutdowns during peak demand.
Apple has maintained that the slowdowns were intended to prolong the lifespan of the devices and address battery aging issues. However, many users felt that Apple should have been more transparent about the software updates. The company faced severe backlash for not informing users about the performance impact of the updates.
Eligible iPhone users can expect to receive an estimated $65 settlement payout, although the final amount could be higher depending on the number of claims submitted. Owners of iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, and 7 Plus models running certain versions of iOS before December 21, 2017, may be eligible for payments.
However, it is important to note that only users who filed claims before October 6, 2020, are potentially eligible to receive a settlement check. The distribution timeline for the settlement money remains unclear, with delays attributed to the lengthy duration of the lawsuit and appeals process.
Apple’s agreement to settle the “batterygate” lawsuit marks a significant step in resolving the controversy surrounding the intentional slowdowns. While the lawsuit has undoubtedly impacted Apple’s reputation, the settlement serves as an attempt to mend relations with affected iPhone users. The company has since introduced more transparent battery management features and offered discounted battery replacements.
It remains to be seen how this settlement affects Apple’s future approach to software updates and battery management. iPhone users will undoubtedly be closely watching for any changes in Apple’s practices in light of this settlement.
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