Apple has agreed to a $20 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over battery swelling in early Apple Watch models. if you experienced the issue and owned an apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2, or 3, you might potentially be eligible for a small payout. The lawsuit, Smith et al. v. Apple Inc,was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In both the settlement agreement and claim website,Apple explicitly denies that its smartwatches ever had battery swelling issues and “denies all allegations of wrongdoing” and liability. Instead, it says that Apple is choosing to settle to “avoid further costs of litigation.”
in a statement sent to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Aushawna Collins says the company “strongly disagree[s] with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models.” To be eligible for a payout, you have to have owned an eligible watch model and have reported any potential battery swelling issues to apple between April 24th, 2015 and February 6th, 2024. Anyone who fits those criteria has until april 10th to confirm or update their payment details to receive a payout. According to the settlement’s FAQ site, the payment is estimated to be roughly $20 to $50 per covered watch. Accepting a payment means you also give up any future action regarding battery issues on these particular watches. Those who do not wish to be part of the settlement have until February 24th, 2025 to exclude themselves or object to the settlement.
| Key Details | Information |
|——————|—————–|
| Settlement Amount | $20 million |
| Eligible Models | Apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2, 3 |
| Reporting Period | April 24, 2015 - February 6, 2024 |
| Payout estimate | $20 – $50 per watch |
| Claim Deadline | April 10, 2025 |
| Opt-Out Deadline | February 24, 2025 |
Apple’s decision to settle comes despite its firm denial of any wrongdoing. The company maintains that its early-generation Apple Watch models were not defective but chose to resolve the matter to avoid prolonged legal battles. For affected users, this settlement offers a chance to receive compensation, albeit modest, for their reported issues. If you believe you qualify, ensure you submit your claim by the April 10th deadline to secure your payout.
Apple Watch Battery Swelling Settlement: Expert insights and Key Details
Table of Contents
Apple has recently agreed to a $20 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning battery swelling issues in early-generation Apple Watch models.If you own an Apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2, or 3 and have experienced this problem, you might be eligible for compensation. We sat down with tech litigation expert Dr. Emily Carter to discuss the implications of the settlement, eligibility criteria, and what it means for affected users.
Understanding the Lawsuit and Settlement
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, can you provide some background on the lawsuit and why Apple agreed to settle?
Dr. Emily carter: Certainly. The lawsuit, officially known as Smith et al. v. Apple Inc., was filed in the united States District Court for the Northern District of California. It alleges that certain early-generation Apple Watch models suffered from battery swelling, which could compromise the device’s functionality and safety. While Apple denies any wrongdoing and maintains that these models were not defective, the company opted to settle to avoid prolonged legal battles and associated costs.
Eligibility Criteria and Payout Details
Senior Editor: Who exactly qualifies for this settlement, and how much can they expect to receive?
Dr. Emily Carter: To qualify, you must have owned an eligible apple watch model (Series 0, 1, 2, or 3) and reported battery swelling issues to Apple between April 24, 2015, and febuary 6, 2024. The estimated payout ranges from $20 to $50 per watch. Claimants have until April 10, 2025, to submit their details. However, accepting the payment means waiving the right to future legal action regarding battery issues on these specific models.
Apple’s Stance and Implications for Users
Senior Editor: Apple has denied any wrongdoing. What does this mean for consumers who feel their devices were defective?
dr. Emily Carter: Apple’s denial is meaningful as it underscores the company’s belief that its products were not flawed. Though, the settlement offers affected users a chance to receive some compensation without the need for further litigation. It’s a pragmatic resolution for both parties—Apple avoids additional legal expenses, and consumers receive a modest payout without undergoing lengthy court proceedings.
Key Deadlines and Next Steps
Senior editor: What are the critical deadlines users should be aware of?
Dr.Emily Carter: The deadlines are crucial. to receive a payout, eligible users must confirm or update their payment details by April 10, 2025. For those who wish to opt out of the settlement or object to its terms, the deadline is February 24, 2025.Missing these dates could mean forfeiting any potential compensation or legal recourse.
conclusion: What Users Should Do Now
Senior Editor: what’s your final advice for Apple Watch owners who may be affected?
Dr. Emily Carter: My advice is straightforward—if you believe you qualify, act promptly. Visit the claim website to confirm your eligibility and submit your details. For those unsure about whether to accept the settlement, consider consulting a legal expert to weigh your options. Ultimately, the decision to participate or opt out should align with your individual needs and circumstances.
