The lawsuit over Apple’s battery restrictions on millions of iPhone models is nearing its end. The last appeal in the $500 million lawsuit in the US was rejected. Accordingly, the company was ordered to pay older iPhone users who were deliberately restricted in performance.
Apple fined $500 million for batterygate
The lawsuit filed in the US in 2018 seems to be finally closed after 5 years. In 2017, it was revealed that Apple was degrading the performance of iPhone models with aging batteries. Apple said it did this to prevent unexpected shutdowns, but many customers didn’t think it was right to do it secretly.
Users alleged that Apple was doing this to force them to upgrade to newer iPhone models. A class action lawsuit filed in 2018 accused Apple of fraud for failing to disclose this practice. In 2020, the company agreed to settle, offering to pay iPhone owners about $65.
The deal hit a snag when two iPhone users objected to the terms, saying the compensation was too low. The objections were rejected last week, clearing the way for payments to begin. Accordingly, Apple will pay $500 million to users in the US.
About 3 million claims were filed before the deadline in 2020. With the completion of the appeal process, payments will begin. The eligible models include iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone SE.
The controversy, which resonated all over the world, damaged Apple’s reputation. US iPhone users involved in the class action lawsuit will finally be able to receive the $65 payments.
So, what do you think about this issue? Don’t forget to share your opinions with us in the comments section!