Apple Watch Owners, Listen Up: $20M Settlement on the Table

Apple is shelling out a whopping $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over battery swelling issues in its early-generation Apple Watches. But don’t get it twisted – the tech giant is NOT admitting fault. This is a classic case of “pay to make it go away.”

What’s the Deal with Battery Swelling?

Battery swelling is no joke. It’s when lithium-ion batteries overheat, causing gas buildup that makes the battery expand like a balloon. In the tightly packed Apple Watch, this can wreak havoc, damaging other components and potentially rendering the device useless. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, claims this issue plagued the first four Apple Watch models: the Original, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.

“Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit, denies that the covered watches experienced any issues related to battery swell, and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful.”

Court Documents

Apple’s Stance: “We’re Innocent, But Let’s Move On”

Apple is standing firm, insisting the settlement is NOT an admission of guilt. In a statement to TechCrunch, the company doubled down:

“Apple Watch is designed to be safe and reliable. This settlement applies to purchasers of early-generation models, which are no longer available. While we strongly disagree with the claims, we agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.”

Apple Spokesperson

Who Gets Paid? Here’s the Breakdown

If you owned an Original Apple Watch, Series 1, 2, or 3, and reported battery swelling issues to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024, you could be eligible for compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: U.S. residents only.
• Compensation: Payouts range from $20 to $50, depending on how many complaints you filed.
• Deadline: Submit your payment info on the lawsuit’s official site by April 10, 2025.

Big Tech, Big Problems

This isn’t the first time a tech giant has faced heat over battery issues. Just last week, Google-owned Fitbit was slapped with a $12.25 million penalty for overheating batteries in its Ionic smartwatch. It’s a reminder that even the biggest players in tech aren’t immune to hardware hiccups.

What’s Next for Apple Watch Owners?

If you’re eligible, keep an eye on your mailbox or inbox for a notification. And don’t wait – the clock is ticking to claim your payout. While Apple may deny wrongdoing, this settlement is a win for consumers who’ve dealt with the frustration of battery swelling.

Bottom line: If you’ve got an early-gen Apple Watch and experienced battery swelling, now’s your chance to get paid. But act fast – the deadline won’t wait for you.