Apple Settles $20M Watch Battery Swelling Lawsuit, Maintains Innocence in Wrongdoing Claims
In a significant legal development, Apple has agreed to pay $20 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning battery swelling issues affecting early models of the Apple Watch. This case, which dates back to 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that the first four Apple Watch models were impacted by this defect.
Understanding Battery Swelling in Apple Watches
Battery swelling is a phenomenon where heat and gas accumulate within a lithium-ion battery, leading to the expansion of its walls. This can potentially damage other components of the device due to the confined space within the watch.
Apple’s Response to the Lawsuit
Despite the settlement, Apple maintains its stance, denying any wrongdoing. The tech giant stated, “Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit, denies that the covered watches experienced any issues related to battery swell, and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful.” This statement emphasizes that the settlement is not an admission of guilt.
Official Statement from Apple
In a detailed response shared with TechCrunch, Apple reiterated its commitment to safety:
“Apple Watch is designed to be safe and reliable. This settlement applies to purchasers of Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase. While we strongly disagree with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models, we agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.”
Eligibility for Compensation
If you are an Apple Watch owner affected by this issue, here are the key points to qualify for compensation:
- You must have reported the battery swelling issue to Apple customer service between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024.
- Eligible claimants must reside in the U.S..
- Notifications regarding the settlement will be sent via postcard or email.
- Compensation will vary based on the number of complaints filed, with payments ranging from $20 to $50.
To receive your payment, ensure that you submit your payment information on the lawsuit’s official site by April 10, 2025.
Recent Context in Smartwatch Battery Issues
This settlement closely follows a $12.25 million penalty imposed on Fitbit, owned by Google, due to battery overheating issues in its Ionic smartwatch. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns related to battery safety in wearable technology.
For more information on the lawsuit and settlement details, you can visit the official court website or check out Apple’s official site for updates.
