U.S. Apple Watch users who signed up to receive payments from a lawsuit filed by Apple over swollen batteries began receiving payments this week. The lawsuit was filed in 2021, but Apple agreed to pay a $20 million settlement in January this year to avoid further legal expenses.
Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3 users have until April 10 to submit claims, but anyone who reports a swollen battery issue to Apple will automatically be eligible for compensation.
The compensation will be issued in the form of a prepaid MasterCard, so if you accidentally receive an email about the Smith et al. Apple Watch users can receive at least $20 in compensation, and potentially more depending on the number of claims. One Reddit user said they received a settlement of just over $25.
The lawsuit alleges that early Apple Watch models have design flaws in their batteries and displays. A swollen battery could put pressure on the Apple Watch face, causing the display to fall off. The plaintiff claims this causes operational malfunctions and causes injuries due to the "sharp edges" of the shattered screen.
Apple has been accused of selling the Apple Watch despite knowing it was defective. The plaintiff seeks compensation for general, special, incidental, statutory, punitive and consequential damages, as well as the cost of replacing the Apple Watch. Although Apple has reached a settlement, the company has denied any wrongdoing and denied that there was a problem with the Apple Watch.
