The iPhone Battery Throttling Settlement ($500 Million)
The most significant Apple settlement in recent memory involves battery performance throttling. In 2020, Apple agreed to a $500 million settlement over allegations that it secretly slowed down older iPhones without disclosing the slowdowns were caused by degraded batteries. The settlement covered US residents who owned an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, or SE whose device ran iOS 10.2.1 or later (iOS 11.2 for iPhone 7 models). Eligible claimants received approximately $25 per device. Apple continues to face litigation for similar throttling practices on newer iPhone models — new settlements may open.