In resolving a long-standing legal battle, Apple has initiated payments in the US as part of a class-action lawsuit over allegations of intentionally slowing down certain iPhones. The tech giant settled for $500 million in 2020, asserting that it denied any wrongdoing but was motivated by the escalating costs of prolonged litigation.
The US case, stemming from Apple’s admission in December 2017 that it deliberately slowed down aging iPhones, has resulted in complainants receiving a share of the settlement, averaging around $92 per claim.
Although Apple contended that this slowdown was intended to extend the lifespan of devices with aging batteries, it faced criticism for not informing customers, prompting the class-action lawsuit. The settlement payment is significantly higher than initial estimates, offering claimants almost four times the anticipated amount.
Meanwhile, a parallel lawsuit in the UK, seeking £1.6 billion in compensation, is still in progress. Apple attempted to block the mass-action lawsuit in the UK last November but was unsuccessful. The UK case, initiated by Justin Gutmann in June 2022 and representing an estimated 24 million iPhone users, includes claims against Apple for iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X devices, unlike the US settlement, which focused on iPhone 6 and 7 models.
Apple has consistently refuted the allegations, stating that it would never intentionally shorten the life of its products or compromise the user experience to drive customer upgrades. While the US settlement may be perceived as a moral victory, it does not influence the ongoing legal proceedings in the UK. Justin Gutmann expressed satisfaction with the US payments but emphasized that Apple’s settlement does not imply an admission of guilt.
As the UK lawsuit progresses, with Apple vigorously contesting the claims, the Court of Appeal will soon consider the firm’s request to halt the case. Gutmann acknowledged the challenges but determined to pursue the case in the UK jurisdiction. While the US settlement may bring some closure to affected consumers, the UK legal battle underscores the complexities and global implications of device performance and consumer rights issues.
