iPhone class-action: Who qualifies for the Apple settlement?

How to get your share of the Apple settlement for slowing down iPhones

If you owned an iPhone before December 2017, you may be eligible for a payout from Apple, which has agreed to pay over $11 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in Canada1. The lawsuit accused Apple of deliberately slowing down older iPhones with software updates, causing them to "prematurely age, degrade and shut down unexpectedly"1. Apple denied any wrongdoing, but said it agreed to the settlement to avoid the cost and inconvenience of litigation1.

The settlement is similar to another one that Apple reached in the US in 2020, where it agreed to pay up to $500 million to affected iPhone owners2. The US lawsuit stemmed from the same issue, which became known as “batterygate” or “throttlegate” in the media2. Apple said it reduced the performance of some iPhones to prevent them from shutting down due to aging batteries, and that it was not trying to trick customers into buying new phones2. However, many customers felt betrayed and deceived by Apple, and filed lawsuits against the company.
Who qualifies for the settlement?

According to the website that provides information on the settlement3, you may qualify for the settlement benefits if you meet the following criteria:You are or were a Canadian owner of an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE, 7, or 7 Plus device
Your iPhone ran iOS 10.2.1 or later or, in the case of iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices, iOS 11.2 or later before December 21, 2017
You experienced diminished performance on your iPhone

If you meet these criteria, you could receive up to $150 per iPhone, depending on the number of claims submitted and approved1. However, you need to file a claim before the deadline, which is March 31, 20241. You can file a claim online or by mail, and you will need to provide proof of ownership and proof of diminished performance3.
How to file a claim?

To file a claim online, you need to visit the settlement website3 and click on the “File a Claim” button. You will need to enter your personal information, such as your name, address, email, and phone number. You will also need to enter your iPhone’s model, serial number, and IMEI number. You can find these numbers on your iPhone’s settings, on the original box, or on your iTunes account. You will also need to upload a screenshot of your iPhone’s battery health, which shows the maximum capacity and peak performance capability of your battery. You can find this information on your iPhone’s settings, under Battery > Battery Health. You will also need to sign a declaration that you experienced diminished performance on your iPhone.

To file a claim by mail, you need to download and print the claim form from the settlement website3 and fill it out with the same information as above. You will also need to attach a copy of your iPhone’s battery health screenshot and a proof of purchase, such as a receipt, invoice, or contract. You will need to mail the completed claim form and the attachments to the following address:

Smartphone Performance Settlement c/o Epiq Class Action Services Canada Inc. P.O. Box 507 STN B Ottawa ON K1P 5P6

You must mail your claim form postmarked no later than March 31, 2024.
What happens next?

After you file your claim, you will receive a confirmation email or letter. The settlement administrator will review your claim and determine if it is valid and eligible. You may be contacted by the settlement administrator if they need more information or documentation from you. You can also check the status of your claim on the settlement website3 by entering your claim number and verification code.

The settlement is still subject to court approval, and a hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2024 at the Supreme Court of British Columbia1. If the court approves the settlement, the settlement administrator will distribute the payments to the approved claimants. The payments are expected to be made within six months after the settlement becomes final3.

If you have any questions or concerns about the settlement or the claim process, you can contact the settlement administrator by phone at 1-833-991-2875 or by email at info@SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com. You can also visit the settlement website3 for more information and updates.