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Apple Settles Lawsuit Over Swollen Apple Watch Batteries for $20 Million
Apple has reached a $20 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning issues related to swollen batteries in certain Apple Watch models. The lawsuit, initiated by owners of affected devices, alleged that battery swelling led to physical damage in models such as the first-generation Apple Watch (known as Series 0), Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.
The expanding batteries posed significant risks, as the limited internal space of the Apple Watch means swelling can damage other vital components, including the display. Many users reported that swelling batteries caused the screens to detach, raising concerns about potential injury from shattered glass.
While Apple has denied any prevalence of these issues in its products, the litigation stemmed from claims that users would have reconsidered their purchases or paid a lower price had they been aware of the battery flaws prior to buying the devices. The settlement now aims to provide compensation to consumers who experienced these troubles.
How to File a Claim for Compensation
To qualify for participation in the $20 million settlement, affected individuals must have owned one of the specified Apple Watch models and have documented complaints regarding battery swelling during the eligible period, from April 24, 2015, to February 6, 2024.
Eligible claimants can choose between opting out of the settlement entirely or proceeding to file a claim. If Apple’s records indicate they are recognized as Settlement Class Members, they may receive payment without needing to submit a claim form. However, claimants are advised to verify their payment options to ensure correct processing.
Settlement Class Members will be notified via a postcard confirming their eligibility for settlement benefits. They will need to communicate their chosen payment method to the court by April 10. Available options include a physical check, electronic check, ACH transfer, or a virtual prepaid Visa or MasterCard. For payment selections, individuals can visit the official payment site and access the Payment Election Form.
Understanding the Settlement Payout
The legal fees will be deducted from the settlement amount, with the remaining funds distributed among eligible claimants. The payout per claimant is estimated to be around $20, with a maximum possible compensation of $50. Notably, individuals can file claims for multiple devices if they experienced the battery issues on more than one Apple Watch.
While the settlement will not lead to significant financial gains for those involved, it does present an opportunity for affected users to recoup at least a portion of their losses. Claimants also have until February 24 to opt out of the settlement and provide comments regarding its terms. Settlement Class Members can choose to remain passive in the process, ensuring that payments will be processed correctly to their designated address.
The Apple Watch was first launched on April 24, 2015, with the Series 1 and Series 2 models introduced in September 2016, followed by the Series 3 in September 2017.
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