Apple recently settled a lawsuit over the iPhone slowdown - or Batterygate - controversy, in which it intentially slowed down older iPhones to optimise their performance. Now, under the terms of the settlement, you can potentially claim compensation if you owned an iPhone that Apple throttled.
Just don’t expect a massive payout. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the iPhone slowdown controversy?
There have always been conspiracies about tech companies deliberately slowing down their old products to get consumers to upgrade to their newer products.
Well,three years ago, Apple admitted it issued a software update that temporarily slowed down processes on older iPhones that had degraded batteries. Apple claimed batteries degrade over time, and it aimed to “deliver the best experience.” The update specifically rolled out a power management feature meant to extend the life of an aging iPhone.
Many were outraged over the slowing of their iPhones, and the company was taken to court. In March 2020, it agreed to a$500 million settlement.
How to claim your settlement compensation
MacRumorsspotted a new website that allows you to submit your claim for compensation. You just need to prove you owned a throttled iPhone.
Note:You are giving up your right to individually sue Apple if you submit a claim.
Verify you qualify
To qualify for a payout, you must have owned one of the following:
Submit your claim
If you owned a qualifying iPhone, follow these steps:
How much will you receive?
In theory, you will receive $25 payout per device. But reports have said that it could be smaller if the number of claims exceeds the $500 million settlement.
When will you get your check?
According to a FAQ page on the settlement website,a final hearing is scheduled for 03 August 2025, when a judge is expected to finalise the settlement.
If that happens, and there is no appeal, then the settlement payouts will be immediately distributed.
