Big news for iPhone users in Canada! Apple might soon pay some Canadians a good amount of money thanks to the Canada Apple battery settlement. This is because of a lawsuit about older iPhones (like the iPhone 6 and 7) that got slower after new updates. Apple says they slowed down the phones to stop them from turning off suddenly, but some people think it was to make them buy new phones. Apple hasn’t said they did anything wrong, though.
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What is the Canada Apple battery settlement?
In recent news, Apple Inc. has agreed to a significant settlement in Canada. Owners of certain iPhone models could be eligible for compensation following a class-action lawsuit. This settlement involves Apple’s payout of up to $14.4 million to Canadian consumers. Considering Apple’s massive $2.9 trillion market value, it’s a notable event.
The lawsuit centers on accusations that Apple’s software updates significantly slowed down older iPhone models. These models include the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 series. Apple implemented these updates to prevent unexpected shutdowns in phones with aging batteries. However, this led to suspicions that the company was deliberately slowing down older phones to encourage new purchases. Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing in this matter.
If approved, the settlement requires consumers to provide their iPhone’s serial number and confirm that they installed specific iOS versions before December 21, 2017. The settlement proposes a minimum payout of $11.1 million and a maximum of $14.4 million. Eligible consumers can receive up to $150 per affected iPhone. However, if the number of claimants is high, the payout per individual may decrease, as it will be distributed on a “pro rata” basis.
Canadians, excluding Quebec residents, who owned iPhone models 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE, 7, or 7 Plus with certain iOS versions installed before the specified date, may qualify for the settlement. The final decision rests with the B.C. Supreme Court, which is scheduled to review the settlement on January 29. Following approval, eligible participants can apply online as part of the class-action lawsuit.
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How to get your cut of the Canada Apple battery settlement
For those interested in participating in this settlement, the process is straightforward. Currently, no action is needed. Once the court approves the settlement, detailed instructions on submitting a claim will be available on a designated website. This website is managed by third parties responsible for administering the settlement.
Apple had similar cases to Canada Apple battery settlement
This is not the first time Apple has faced legal issues related to iPhone battery performance. 2018 Apple was sued in various Canadian provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The lawsuits alleged that Apple deliberately reduced the performance of iPhones with aging batteries to prevent unexpected shutdowns. This feature was introduced in iOS 10.2.1, but Apple initially did not disclose this change, leading to public dissatisfaction.
In response to the backlash, Apple issued an apology for the lack of transparency and temporarily reduced the price of iPhone battery replacements. In a similar case in the United States, Apple agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for up to $500 million. Claimants in the U.S. have started receiving payments as a part of this settlement.
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