Amber Neely
Owners of early-generation Apple Watch models are eligible for payments related to a six-year-old class action lawsuit. Here's who can file.
In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Apple alleging that Apple Watch Series 1 through Apple Watch Series 3 were unsafe. According to the lawsuit, Apple ignored an issue that could cause the batteries to swell and break critical components, such as the screen.
Now, nearly six years later, a settlement has finally been reached. Apple has agreed to pay out $20 million to resolve the claims — but not because the company admits to any wrongdoing.
"This settlement applies to purchasers of Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase," the company said in a statement sent to CNET. "While we strongly disagree with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models, we agreed to settle to avoid further litigation."
To qualify for compensation, a person must have owned an affected Apple Watch model and have proof they reported an issue related to battery swelling between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024.
Those already on record as affected will receive a notice via email or postcard to confirm eligibility for a class payment.
If someone accepts the payment, they waive their ability to pursue further legal action against Apple regarding this specific issue. Settlement class members should head to watchsettlement.com to confirm or update payment information by April 10, 2025.
Those who want to exclude themselves from the settlement and file another claim against Apple related to the case must do so by February 24, 2025.
The settlement website also informs members that they can write to the court and weigh in on the case and its results, but must do so before February 24, 2025. They can also ask to speak to the court at the April 10, 2025 hearing.
It is important to note that settlement class members cannot ask the court to order a larger settlement.
Members can also choose to take no option. If the settlement administrator has a member's current payment information, the member will receive a payment. This option also binds the member to the settlement, preventing them from bringing further claims against Apple regarding this specific issue.
Watchsettlement.com notes that the court in charge of this case still has to decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, members will get payments after any appeals are resolved.
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6 Comments
The back popped off of my Series 1 and I still have it in a drawer. Don’t know if I reported it—just bought a new series 2 or 3. Will they insist on it having been reported, or will the actual watch trump that?
Yeah, I have my SS 42mm S.02 sitting right here with the popped off screen. I "reported" it to Apple but was told that there wasn't any sort of coverage or whatever as the warranty was expired. It'd be a $[some amount higher than I was willing to pay] charge to fix it. So... here it sits.
FAQ #5: "The Settlement Class includes all natural persons who reside in the United States, who own or owned any model First Generation, Series 1, Series 2 or Series 3 Watch for personal and/or household, and who are reflected in Apple’s records as having reported issues potentially related to battery swell in the United States. The Settlement Class excludes Apple; any entity in which Apple has a controlling interest; Apple’s directors, officers and employees; Apple’s legal representatives, successors, and assigns; and judicial officers assigned to this case and their staff and immediate families. The Class Period is April 24, 2015, to February 6, 2024."
The FAQ #6 says: "If you are still not sure whether you are included in the Settlement Class, you can call toll-free 1-844-933-4042, or write to the Settlement Administrator at the address below for more information. Watch Settlement Administrator 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210 Philadelphia, PA 19103" The phone number sorta just points you back to the website. Even option 0 on the phone tree just gives you a mess of info then lets you leave a message "for a live operator" but it takes a while to get there.Personally I'll just watch (bad pun) the mail for something in the next week or two. If I don't see something, I think I'm just not gonna bother. It looks like the payment is most likely to be ≈$20, but is capped at $50 per watch...
The screen popped of my series 1 about a year after I bought it.
Shrug. They gave me a free watch in replacement. Still going strong btw.