Apple is now willing to settle with about $500 million after admitting to secretly slowing down older iPhones. The lawsuit claimed that it did this as it launched new models, in order to induce owners to buy replacement phones or batteries.
The fine could amount to just $25 (£20) for each affected user, depending on how many users make a claim with a minimum total payout of $310 million. Apple still denies any wrongdoing in the case but is settling in part because of the cost of continuing litigation.
The company explained that it slows down some models as they age only because the phones’ battery performance diminishes over time. See our article on Apple’s defense.
Apple further said that the move is to “prolong the life” of the devices. Then the company started offering discount battery replacement, which solved the issue.
The practice was confirmed after a Reddit user shared performance tests, suggesting that his iPhone 6S had slowed down considerably as it aged. But suddenly sped up again after the battery had been replaced.
“I used my brother’s iPhone 6 Plus, and his was faster than mine? This is when I knew something was wrong,” wrote TeckFire.
Also Read:
– France Authorities Fine Apple $27 Million For Tampering With Older iPhones
– Tim Cook Announces That Apple Will Open Its First India Store In 2020
– Apple Sold More Watches Than The Entire Swiss Industry In 2019
Technology website Geekbench then followed up the observation by analysing several iPhones running different versions of the iOS operating system. They found out some of the iPhones indeed appear to have been deliberately slowed down.
Apple to pay legal fees in addition to the $500 million settlement
The settlement covers all US owners of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7Plus or SE that ran the iOS 10.2.1 or a later operating system. US owners of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that ran iOS 11.2 or later before Dec. 21, 2017 are also included in the settlement.
The “named plaintiffs,” those who put their names down on the class action on behalf of all iPhone owners, will receive $1,500 in settlement. Those who gave evidence in the case will receive $3,500.
The lawyers will also ask the court to grant them $93m in “reasonable attorneys’ fees” plus another $1.5m in expenses.
For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@plat4om.com. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.