If you owned an older iPhone, you might be one of the millions affected by Apple’s batterygate scandal. Here’s everything you need to know about the controversy.
Understanding ‘batterygate’
In 2016, iPhone users began reporting reliability and usability problems such as sudden shutdowns. Following an iOS update in 2017, these users discovered that, while the original issues were fixed, their phones were slowing down significantly.
Investigations revealed that Apple had implemented a power management feature to prevent unexpected shutdowns in older iPhones with degraded batteries. However, this throttling was not disclosed to users, leading to widespread backlash.
Apple’s alleged lack of transparency also led to accusations that the company was deliberately slowing down phones to push users towards buying newer models. This practice has been condemned as deceptive and Apple has faced significant legal challenges as a result. In summary:
- The Accusations. Apple sold iPhones with defective batteries and used software updates to slow them down without informing users.
- The Impact. The throttling reduced phone performance by up to 58%.
- Legal Actions. Apple has faced and settled numerous lawsuits globally, including in the US and Europe.
The legal battle across the globe
- In the United States, Apple has already settled claims and begun compensating affected users.
- French consumer authorities fined Apple €25 million following a formal investigation.
- A Canadian class action lawsuit ordered Apple to pay iPhone users up to $14.4 million.
A similar legal battle is now taking place in the UK, where lawyers are seeking hundreds of millions of pounds in compensation for affected customers. And, in November 2023, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal gave the go-ahead to the iPhone throttling case.
If the claim is successful, you could be eligible for compensation if you purchased any of the following iPhone models after December 12, 2016:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
Use our quick eligibility checker to see if you might be affected and register your interest to get updates on this case.
