Apple Pays $20M Over Watch Battery Swelling Claims

Company
Apple

Why
Battery swelling

Total Settlement Amount
$2oM

Maximum Individual Claimant Award
$50

Opt-out & Objection Deadline
February 24 2025

Claim Deadline
April 10, 2025

The Apple Watch battery controversy has finally reached a resolution with Apple agreeing to pay $20 million in a class action settlement. Specifically, this Apple Watch settlement addresses battery swelling issues that affected the first four generations of Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 0 (First Generation), Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, and Apple Watch Series 3, between 2015 and 2024.

Furthermore, the Apple Watch lawsuit highlights how battery swelling, caused by heat and gas buildup inside lithium-ion batteries, has damaged various watch components, leading to detached displays and cracked displays. As a result, affected U.S. residents who reported these issues during the specified period can expect an Apple payout ranging from $20 to $50, though Apple maintains this settlement isn't an admission of guilt. We understand that eligible users must submit their payment details by April 10, 2025, to receive their share of the settlement.

Apple Settles $20M Lawsuit Over Watch Batteries

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the class action lawsuit addresses battery issues in early Apple Watch models. The $20 million settlement covers four specific models: Apple Watch Series 0 (First Generation), Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, and Apple Watch Series 3.

According to the settlement eligibility terms, eligible claimants must meet these requirements:

• Own one or more covered Apple Watch models

• Have been reporting issues related to battery swelling to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024

• Be U.S. residents

Additionally, the settlement fund of $20 million will provide compensation ranging from $20 to $50 per covered watch. Notably, owners of multiple affected watches can receive multiple payments.

Under those circumstances where users choose to participate in the claim process, accepting the payment means forfeiting rights to future legal action regarding battery issues on these particular watches. Those who wish to explore opt-out options have until February 24, 2025, to exclude themselves from the settlement.

While the lawsuit alleged violations of consumer protection laws and breached warranties, Apple maintains its position of no wrongdoing. The company chose to settle to avoid further litigation costs. The settlement website confirms that no court has declared Apple at fault, and companies often opt for settlements as they typically cost less than prolonged court proceedings. The final hearing for court approval is yet to be scheduled.

Battery Swelling Damages Apple Watch Components

Battery swelling in affected Apple Watch models causes severe structural damage to multiple components. Primarily, the swelling creates upward pressure on the watch face, forcing it to separate from the main body. This defect stems from insufficient space allocation within the device for the rectangular-shaped, electromagnetically charged lithium cobalt oxide battery.

The physical damage manifests in several ways:

• Screen detachment from the watch body

• Display cracking or shattering

• Exposure of sharp edges

• Complete device malfunction

Essentially, the lawsuit identifies that the manufacturing defect lies not in the battery swelling itself, but in the watch's design lacking adequate space or protective mechanisms to handle potential battery expansion. Consequently, when batteries swell within these tight compartments, they create significant pressure on internal components, leading to Apple Watch defects.

The safety implications extend beyond mere device damage. In extreme scenarios, battery swelling can lead to overheating and create potential hazards for users. Initially, Apple maintained that battery swelling wasn't a widespread issue. However, the lawsuit revealed that the absence of thermal solutions or protective guards to prevent screen damage from swollen batteries posed an "unreasonably dangerous safety hazard".

An Apple Genius employee acknowledged that all watches face limited lifespans due to potential battery swelling. This admission contradicts Apple's earlier stance and raises questions about the long-term reliability of the device's design. The issue particularly affects Apple Watch Series 0 (First Generation), Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, and Apple Watch Series 3 models, with users consistently reporting problems of expanding devices and malfunctioning displays.

Users Rush to Check Apple Watch Battery Health

Following the recent battery swelling concerns, Apple Watch users across the United States are checking their device's battery health through the Settings app. Primarily, users can monitor battery capacity by accessing Battery Health settings, which displays the current maximum charge capacity compared to when the watch was new.

In fact, Apple has established specific thresholds for battery service eligibility. The company offers battery replacement as a free service for AppleCare+ subscribers whose watch batteries retain less than 80% of original capacity. For those without AppleCare+ or an extended warranty, battery service costs vary - approximately $79 for older models and $99 for newer ones.

Moreover, users can maximize their watch's battery lifespan through several optimization features. These include:

• Optimized Battery Charging, available on watchOS 7 and newer

• Optimized Charge Limit for Ultra models and Series 6 or newer

• Low Power Mode during workouts

• Theater Mode to reduce screen-on time

Subsequently, some users have turned to independent repair shops, which offer battery replacements for around $80. These third-party services often use harvested batteries from other Apple Watches, as Apple restricts access to new factory-sealed batteries.

Altogether, while Apple maintains strict standards for battery service eligibility, users now have multiple options for addressing battery health concerns. The company recommends keeping watches updated with the latest watchOS version and using external Bluetooth chest straps during extended workouts to preserve battery life. It's worth noting that AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage, which may be relevant for users experiencing issues related to cracked displays.

Conclusion

Apple's $20 million settlement benefits U.S. residents who reported problems between 2015 and 2024, offering an Apple payout between $20 and $50 per affected device. Above all, this case highlights crucial safety concerns regarding battery design and space allocation in smart wearables. Battery health remains a critical factor for Apple Watch longevity. Users now pay closer attention to their device's battery capacity through built-in monitoring tools.