Court Approves Multimillion-Dollar Settlement in Apple iPhone Lawsuit
The British Columbia Supreme Court has given its stamp of approval to a nationwide multimillion-dollar settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Apple. The lawsuit revolves around allegations that Apple’s software updates intentionally slowed down older iPhone models. After a lengthy legal battle, the court has greenlit the settlement, marking a significant milestone in the case.
Settlement Details:
The approved settlement amounts to a substantial $14.4 million. Under the terms of the settlement, eligible class members in Canada, excluding Quebec residents, can file claims to receive compensation ranging from $17.50 to $150 each. The settlement aims to provide redress to consumers who experienced diminished performance on their iPhone 6 and 7 models after certain software updates were installed or downloaded before December 21, 2017.
Legal Proceedings:
The class-action lawsuit, originally filed in 2018, accused Apple of deploying software updates without user consent, leading to performance issues on older iPhone models. Apple vehemently defended its position throughout the legal proceedings, maintaining that it had not engaged in any wrongful conduct. However, after years of litigation, the parties reached a compromise settlement, allowing for resolution without admission of liability.
Claim Process:
Individuals seeking compensation under the settlement have six months to file their claims. The online claims process requires submission of personal details, including name, address, and iPhone serial number. Claimants must also confirm, under oath, that they experienced diminished performance on their devices following the installation of specific iOS updates. The settlement website provides detailed instructions for filing claims.
Financial Implications:
Depending on the number of claims approved, Apple is set to pay out between $11,137,500 and $14,427,500. The settlement represents a significant financial commitment from Apple to resolve the legal dispute. The exclusion of Quebec residents from the settlement is due to an ongoing separate case in the province.
Response from Apple:
Apple has consistently maintained its innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Despite agreeing to the settlement, the tech giant has reiterated that it does not admit any wrongdoing. Apple’s lawyer emphasized this stance during a hearing, highlighting that the claims against the company are novel and not indicative of any misconduct.