If your older iPhone seemed to run slow, you could get part of $500 million settlement

If you used an older iPhone model in 2017, you could be eligible for part of Apple’s $500 million “batterygate” settlement.

In March, Reuters reported that Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million following claims the tech giant slowed down older iPhone models with software updates.

Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhones in December 2017, stating that it did so to curb the performance of devices that could suddenly turn off due to battery issues, CNN reported. Some consumers suggested Apple was slowing down iPhones to encourage users to buy new devices, according to the outlet.

Apple denied any misconduct, adding that it settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost of a litigation, according to Reuters.

The United States District Court for the Northern District of California has now published a website where iPhone users can file a claim online. Those who qualify will receive $25 per affected iPhone.

Who’s eligible?

People in the U.S. who owned an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus or SE device that ran iOS 10.2.1 or later before December 21, 2017 are eligible for the payout, according to the settlement notice.

Those in the U.S. who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and ran iOS 11.2 or later before the same date are also eligible, the notice said.

An owner is defined as someone who owned, leased, purchased or received the phone for work or personal use, according to the notice. Apple employees are not eligible for the settlement.

How to file a claim

Claims must be submitted online or received by mail by October 6, the website said.

The claim form will ask for the device’s serial number, which is available under the “about” tab in general settings. If you are unable to find or do not know your device’s serial number, the claim website offers a search tool that requires your Apple ID.

Those wishing to receive a cash payment electronically will need to provide their bank’s routing and accounting numbers when completing the online form, according to the website.

A final court hearing is schedule for Dec. 4 to determine whether to approve the settlements, according to the notice. If there are no appeals, the settlements will be “processed promptly,” the notice said.

This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 12:36 PM with the headline "If your older iPhone seemed to run slow, you could get part of $500 million settlement."