iPhone Owners Have Until June 3 to Claim $349 Settlement Payment
Just weeks remain for some iPhone owners to claim upwards of $349 in a settlement over audio issues in an old iPhone model. The big payouts are a part of a massive $35 million settlement that stems from a class action lawsuit accusing Apple of violating consumer protection laws and breach of warranty. Only certain iPhone owners will qualify for the payments, and it all depends on what iPhone model people owned during a certain time frame.
What is the Settlement About?
In May 2023, Apple agreed to the $35 million settlement after a federal court failed to decide in favor of the tech company or plaintiffs accusing Apple of wrongdoing. At the time, the class action lawsuit claimed Apple sold iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus devices with defective chips. They argued the chips created audio issues for customers. Apple has denied any wrongdoing.
Am I Eligible for the Settlement?
In order to receive the big direct check, individuals must fit two main descriptions of those affected by the alleged audio issues. Specifically, participants must be U.S. residents who owned an Apple iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016 and January 3, 2023. They must also have reported to Apple any issues regarding Sound-Speaker, Sound-Microphone, Sound-Receiver, Unexpected Restart / Shutdown, or Power On – Device Unresponsive. These issues have been regarded as “covered issues” by Apple. Individuals who are considered to be Apple directors, officers, employees, legal representatives for the company as well as successors and assigns are excluded from the settlement.
Claiming Your Settlement Payment
Most eligible participants should have received a postcard or letter notifying them of their ability to claim the money. To claim the funds, eligible participants must provide their payment information to the Settlement Administrator by June 3, 2024. Within this, claimants can elect how they wish to receive the money such as through an electronic check, ACH transfer, or physical check. This information can be provided via mail or online.
How Much Will I Get?
Any eligible members of the settlement that provide their payment information should get a direct payment later this year. The payments will vary depending on whether individuals paid Apple themselves for repairs or replacements or whether they complained to the company but did not pay. The settlement guidelines reveal that those who paid Apple out of their own pockets for any covered repairs or replacements – and did not “opt out and timely submit payment information to the Settlement Administrator” will receive a payment between $50 and $349. For those who simply reported the issues but did not pay Apple will receive a payment worth up to $125. Payments are set to be distributed after a final approval hearing for the settlement on July 18, 2024.