In a groundbreaking decision, Apple has agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over its practice of slowing down older iPhones. This move comes after years of backlash from consumers who claimed that the tech giant deliberately throttled the performance of their devices to encourage them to upgrade to newer models.
The lawsuit was filed in 2017 after a software update caused older iPhone models to slow down significantly. Apple initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the slowdowns were necessary to prevent the devices from shutting down unexpectedly due to aging batteries. However, critics argued that the company should have been more transparent about the issue and offered consumers the option to replace their batteries at a reduced cost.
As part of the settlement, iPhone users who owned an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, or SE before December 21, 2017, are eligible to receive a payment of up to $25 per device. If the total payout does not exceed $500 million, users may receive up to $150 per device. In addition, Apple has agreed to provide better information to consumers about iPhone battery health and performance management.
This settlement marks a significant victory for consumers who have long felt frustrated by Apple’s lack of transparency and perceived anti-consumer practices. It also serves as a reminder to tech companies that they must prioritize the needs and concerns of their customers above all else.
The ability for iPhone users to claim compensation for the performance slowdowns they experienced is a positive step towards holding large corporations accountable for their actions. It not only provides a financial remedy for those who were affected but also sends a message that deceptive practices will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, iPhone users who have been affected by performance slowdowns on their devices now have the opportunity to claim up to $150 in compensation. This settlement serves as a victory for consumers and a wake-up call for tech companies to prioritize transparency and honesty in their dealings with customers.
