In 2025, Apple has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit concerning battery swelling issues in certain Apple Watch models. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s designs failed to allocate adequate space for battery expansion, causing screen detachment and other damage. As part of the settlement, a $20 million fund has been allocated to compensate affected users, offering payouts ranging from $20 to $50 per device. This article provides essential details about the lawsuit, eligibility, how to claim your payout, and important deadlines.
Apple Watch Class Action Lawsuit Background
A class action lawsuit was filed concerning the issue of battery swelling in earlier models of the Apple Watch. This problem was caused by the expansion of lithium-ion batteries, which led to pressure inside the device, resulting in screen detachment and other damage. Many affected customers were forced to pay out-of-pocket for repairs, as Apple allegedly did not address the issue under its standard warranty coverage.
The lawsuit, Case No. 4:21-cv-09527-HSG, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It claims that Apple knew about the battery defect but failed to take action to correct it. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Apple chose to settle the case to avoid continued litigation.
Eligibility Criteria for the Settlement
If you have experienced battery swelling with an Apple Watch model, you may be eligible for compensation. The criteria for eligibility are as follows:
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Eligible Models: You must have owned or currently own one of the following models:
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First Generation
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Series 1
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Series 2
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Series 3
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Battery Issue Report: You must have reported the battery swelling issue to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024.
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Service Record: Your battery swelling issue must be documented in Apple’s service records.
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Personal Use: The device must have been used for personal or household purposes only.
No further documentation is required to confirm eligibility. Payments will be processed automatically for those who meet these conditions. If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received a notification, you should visit the settlement website to confirm your eligibility.
Settlement Payment Structure
The amount you will receive depends on the total number of valid claims submitted. The payment range is as follows:
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Minimum payout: $20 per eligible device.
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Maximum payout: $50 per eligible device (if sufficient funds remain after all claims are processed).
If the total number of claims exceeds the $20 million settlement fund, payments will be adjusted proportionally to ensure a fair distribution of the funds.
How to Receive Your Payment
To receive your payout, follow these simple steps:
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Visit the Settlement Website: Go to WatchSettlement.com to verify your eligibility.
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Confirm Your Payment Details: Ensure your payment information is accurate to avoid delays.
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Wait for Payment Distribution: Once the court gives final approval, payments will be processed and sent out.
If you do not confirm your payment details in time, there may be delays or you could lose your eligibility for compensation.
Important Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Exclusion/Objection Deadline | February 24, 2025 |
| Payment Selection Deadline | April 10, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | April 10, 2025 |
Consumers who do not wish to participate in the settlement must opt out by February 24, 2025. Those who remain in the class will automatically receive compensation once the court gives final approval.
Settlement Administrator Contact Information
If you have any questions or need assistance with the claims process, you can reach out to the Settlement Administrator:
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Administrator: Angeion Group
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Address: 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Phone: 800-783-1227
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Website: WatchSettlement.com
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Apple Watch class action settlement?
To be eligible, you must have owned or currently own an Apple Watch from the First Generation, Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3 models, and reported a battery swelling issue to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024. Your report must be documented in Apple’s service records.
How much will I receive from the settlement?
The amount you will receive depends on the number of claims filed and the total settlement fund. The minimum payout is $20 per device, with a potential maximum payout of $50 per device, depending on available funds.
How do I claim my payout?
No claim form is required. Eligible consumers should visit the settlement website WatchSettlement.com, confirm their payment details, and await payment distribution following final approval.
What is the deadline to submit my claim?
The deadline to confirm your payment details is April 10, 2025. Payments will be processed after the final approval hearing, and those who do not opt out will automatically receive compensation.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.