Apple to Compensate Early Apple Watch Owners in Lawsuit Settlement

Apple has reached a $20 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that certain early Apple Watch models suffered from a battery defect that caused screens to detach or crack (via CNET).

apple watch series 3
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the lawsuit accused Apple of manufacturing the original, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 Apple Watches without sufficient internal space to accommodate normal battery swelling. The plaintiffs argued that the lithium-ion batteries put pressure on the display and other components when they expanded, leading to structural damage. In some cases, users reported that the screens separated entirely from the watch casing. Apple has strongly denied any wrongdoing, but the company has agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation.

Under the terms of the settlement, Apple will create a $20 million non-reversionary fund to compensate consumers who experienced battery swelling issues with the affected models. Consumers who qualify will receive a payment of $20 per affected device, with the potential for a higher amount depending on the total number of claims filed. As with most class-action settlements, the total amount received by individual claimants will depend on the number of participants and a significant portion of the $20 million fund will also go toward legal fees and administrative costs.

No claim form is required for class members who are already registered in Apple's records as having reported battery swelling issues. These individuals will automatically receive compensation unless they choose to opt out of the settlement by February 24, 2025. Apple Watch owners who believe they qualify but have not yet confirmed their eligibility need to do so by submitting their payment method on the official settlement website before April 10, 2025.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

vertsix Avatar
9 weeks ago

Of course they did!
"Guys, we did NOT screw up here! We swear! Here's some money so you shut up though. And don't let anyone else know. We didn't do it though!"
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
naughtmike Avatar
9 weeks ago
When this happened to me, I was able to convince the Apple Genius at our local mall to give me a replacement. Because Apple made this right, I had considered opting out of the settlement payment. However, because Apple chose to deny any wrongdoing, I am going to happily claim my settlement check.



Attachment Image
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macfacts Avatar
9 weeks ago

"Guys, we did NOT screw up here! We swear! Here's some money so you shut up though. And don't let anyone else know. We didn't do it though!"
Class action lawsuit: Step one of apple customer support.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WestonHarvey1 Avatar
9 weeks ago
Ha I remember the day this happened to me. I heard a rattling sound on my wrist and thought the steel clasp had come undone, and looked down to see it was the screen completely detached and hanging by its ribbon cable.

$20 here I come!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
9 weeks ago

Apple has strongly denied any wrongdoing, but the company has agreed to settle the case
Of course they did!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WestonHarvey1 Avatar
9 weeks ago

They did end up taking care of people on that deal, but long afterward. I had a AW3 (i think it was a 3) that this happened to while I was swimming. I could feel a huge drag on my left wrist out of nowhere when treading water and looked down to see it hanging by the ribbon cable. They obviously wouldn't do anything for me at the time and I didn't have AC on it as I had bought it second hand on Craigslist. I tossed it in a drawer after I bought a newer AW4 and didn't think about it. A few years later, they announced they'd still warranty them. Mailed mine in or took it to the genius bar I couldn't say, but got a refurbed unit for it.

I'd still welcome a $20 spot but being that I was a second hand consumer AND they already replaced it, I don't think I'll see any.
They wouldn't do anything for me either, and wanted $250. Since I bought it with my AMEX, it had an extra year warranty so AMEX paid for it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)