A class-action lawsuit in Canada alleging that Apple secretly throttled the performance of some of its iPhones has entered the claims period, as reported by MacRumors. The lawsuit, dubbed “batterygate,” originated in 2018 after Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhone models with aging batteries to prevent unexpected shutdowns. This power management system was introduced in iOS 10.2.1 without mention in the release notes, resulting in Apple offering discounted battery replacements until the end of 2018 as an apology.
Recently, a settlement was reached in the case, with Apple agreeing to pay up to $14.4 million (CAD). Affected customers who submit a claim can receive anywhere from $17.50 to $150, depending on the total number of claims submitted. Apple denies fault in the matter, stating that the settlement was a way to avoid further litigation costs and time spent in court.
To be eligible for compensation, individuals must be current or former residents of Canada (excluding Québec) who owned an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, or iPhone 7 Plus with specific iOS versions installed before December 21, 2017. This marks another battery-related lawsuit Apple has faced, with a previous U.S. case resulting in a settlement of up to $500 million, with payments commencing in January of this year.
Apple has been working to provide more transparency regarding battery health, with detailed explanations about battery lifespan included in the latest software updates. This information is expected to extend to the iPad in the near future. The company aims to educate users about battery degradation over time to prevent similar controversies in the future. As lawsuits continue to be a headache for Apple, the company is focusing on reaching settlements rather than prolonged legal battles.
Overall, the settlement in the Canadian “batterygate” lawsuit provides affected consumers with an opportunity to receive compensation for the slowdown of their iPhones’ performance. While Apple maintains its innocence in the matter, the agreement allows the company to avoid further legal expenses and court proceedings. With more emphasis on battery health explanation in its devices, Apple hopes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
