Apple Begins Sending Out iPhone Batterygate Settlement Payments: What You Need to Know

Apple's infamous "Batterygate" controversy, which led to a massive class-action lawsuit, has finally reached its conclusion with the distribution of settlement payments. This case revolved around Apple's decision to throttle the performance of older iPhones to allegedly preserve battery life—an action that sparked outrage among consumers. After years of legal battles, eligible iPhone users in the U.S. are now receiving payments as part of a settlement agreement reached in 2020.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the settlement, who qualifies for the payments, how much users are receiving, and the broader implications of this case.

Understanding the Batterygate Controversy

What Happened?

In December 2017, Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhone models through software updates. The company claimed that this was necessary to prevent unexpected shutdowns caused by aging batteries. However, many users believed Apple was intentionally throttling performance to push them toward buying newer devices.

This revelation triggered a wave of backlash, with consumers accusing Apple of planned obsolescence. The controversy led to multiple lawsuits, government investigations, and forced Apple to implement new battery policies, including a temporary battery replacement program at a reduced cost.

Which iPhone Models Were Affected?

Apple's power management feature affected several older iPhone models, including:

• iPhone 6, 6 Plus
• iPhone 6s, 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st Generation)
• iPhone 7, 7 Plus

These devices experienced slower performance after being updated to iOS 10.2.1 (for iPhone 6 models and iPhone SE) or iOS 11.2 (for iPhone 7 models) before December 21, 2017.

The Class-Action Settlement

Settlement Terms and Payout Amount

In 2020, Apple agreed to settle the class-action lawsuit by paying between $310 million and $500 million, depending on the number of claims submitted. Under the settlement, eligible iPhone users who filed claims by October 6, 2020, were entitled to a payout.

Originally, claimants were expected to receive around $25 per affected iPhone. However, due to fewer claims than anticipated, the final payout per device increased to $92.17.

Who Was Eligible for Compensation?

To qualify for the settlement, claimants had to:

• Own one of the affected iPhone models.
• Have installed iOS updates before December 21, 2017, that led to performance issues.
• Submit a claim by the October 6, 2020 deadline.

Distribution of Payments

When Did Payments Begin?

Following multiple legal appeals, the settlement was finally approved after the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed the last remaining objection on November 5, 2023.

The process of sending out payments began on January 5, 2024, with claimants receiving direct deposits or checks.

How Were Payments Issued?

• Payments were directly deposited into claimants' bank accounts with the label "RE APPLE INC".
• Some recipients received physical checks if they opted for mail delivery.
• The payout process was conducted in batches, with most payments completed by the end of January 2024.

Unfortunately, only users who submitted claims before the 2020 deadline were eligible—meaning late applicants could not receive any compensation.

Apple’s Response and Legal Repercussions

Did Apple Admit Wrongdoing?

Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple did not admit to any wrongdoing. The company maintained that the software changes were necessary to manage battery life and prevent unexpected shutdowns. However, the backlash forced Apple to introduce:

• A battery health monitoring tool in iOS.
• A user-controlled toggle to disable performance throttling.
• A temporary battery replacement program offering replacements for just $29 instead of $79.

Legal Actions in Other Countries

While the U.S. lawsuit has been settled, Apple faced similar legal challenges globally:

• Canada: A class-action lawsuit resulted in a proposed $14.4 million CAD settlement.
• Europe: Several consumer rights groups have taken action against Apple for similar claims.

These ongoing legal battles indicate that Apple’s handling of the controversy continues to have financial and reputational consequences.

Lessons Learned and Consumer Impact

Impact on Apple’s Reputation

The Batterygate scandal significantly impacted Apple’s trust among consumers. Many felt deceived by the company’s lack of transparency about performance throttling. Although Apple attempted to rectify the situation by introducing software features and a discounted battery replacement program, the damage to its reputation was already done.

What Consumers Can Take Away

• Transparency Matters: Tech companies must communicate software and hardware changes clearly to avoid misleading consumers.
• Battery Health Awareness: Users should monitor battery health and consider battery replacements instead of upgrading to a new phone unnecessarily.
• Legal Recourse is Possible: The settlement demonstrates that consumers can hold major corporations accountable through legal action.

Conclusion

The iPhone Batterygate settlement marks the resolution of one of the biggest controversies in Apple’s history. With millions of dollars distributed to affected users, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of corporate transparency, consumer rights, and legal accountability.

While Apple has moved forward with new products and improved battery management policies, this case remains a significant chapter in the company’s history—one that will likely influence future discussions on software updates, planned obsolescence, and consumer trust.