Imagine if you had bought an expensive Apple Watch and in a short time its screen came out or the battery swelled, what would have happened to you? Many users have faced similar problems, and now their hearing is going on.
Apple has fixed a settlement of $20 million (about Rs 165 crore) to settle a very large class action lawsuit. This suit was done regarding the swelling of the battery of Apple Watch and its related defects.
If you too had told Apple about the battery defect in your watch between April 2015 and February 2024, then you can be a part of this settlement. Let us understand in detail in this article what this case was, who will get its benefit, how to get it and by when.
🔍 What was the case?
Users of some of the early Apple Watch models faced battery swelling issues. When the battery swells, it puts pressure on the screen from the inside, which can cause the screen to separate or break.
This is a very serious issue as it can completely damage the watch. According to some reports, the screen separated so badly that wearing the watch became a dangerous task.
🤔 What was the complaint?
The lawsuit claimed that:
- Apple did not leave enough space for the battery to expand inside its watches.
- This caused the screen to be damaged when the battery swelled inside the watch.
- Many users complained to Apple, but had to pay for repairs as Apple was not covering it under warranty.
- Apple was aware of the problem, yet they did not take any timely action to fix it or compensate users.
⚖️ Legal status of the case
This case was filed in the Northern District Court of California, USA under case number 4:21-cv-09527-HSG. It was said in the case that Apple knew that there was a problem of battery swelling, but they did not find the right solution in time.
However, Apple has denied any fault. But they have agreed to settle $20 million to avoid this case and avoid a long battle in court.
🧑⚖️ What does settlement mean?
“Settlement” means – resolving a court case without fighting the case completely. Apple is now giving this money to those users who complained in time.
With the settlement amount, the affected users will be paid from $20 to $50 (approximately ₹1,650 to ₹4,100). How much amount will be received will depend on how many people are found eligible in this scheme.
✅ Who are eligible for this?
If you fall in any of the points given below, then you may be eligible for this scheme:
- You have used First Generation, Series 1, Series 2 or Series 3 Apple Watch.
- You have complained to Apple about battery swelling or screen damage between April 24, 2015 and February 6, 2024.
- Your complaint is recorded in Apple’s records.
- You bought the watch for domestic or personal use, not for business use.
- You do not need to provide any additional documentation. If you are eligible, you will get the money automatically.
💰 How much money will be received?
Now the biggest question – how much money will be received?
- Minimum amount: $20 per device (approx. ₹1,650)
- Maximum amount: $50 per device (approx. ₹4,100)
If too many people qualify, the amount will be split equally so everyone gets something.
The settlement will not only cover money for users, but will also cover legal fees, administration costs, and other technical expenses.
📅 Important dates to remember
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Last date to opt out or file objections | February 24, 2025 |
| Last date to confirm payment details | April 10, 2025 |
| Hearing for final approval | April 10, 2025 |
If you have not completed the process to opt out of the settlement by February 24, 2025, you will be considered part of the scheme and will be eligible for payment.
📝 How to get paid?
The best part is that there is no need to fill any claim form this time. Still, you need to follow the below steps:
- Visit the WatchSettlement.com website.
- Check your payment details and update them if needed.
- After settlement approval, your amount will be transferred to your account.
If you do not provide the information or provide incorrect details, you may get a delay in receiving your payment or may miss it completely.
📞 How to contact?
If you need more information about this settlement, you can contact:
Settlement Administrator – Angeion Group
Address: 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 800-783-1227
Website: WatchSettlement.com
🧾 Some important questions and answers (FAQs)
Q. Do I have to fill out the claim form myself?
No, if you have already complained to Apple and your details are in their records, then you do not need to fill out the form.
Q. What if I did not complain, but I also faced the same problem?
You can go directly to the website and provide your case details to check if you are eligible or not.
Q. Will this money be tax free?
There is no clear information about this at the moment, but it is a small amount, so usually no tax is levied.
Q. When will the payment be received?
After 10 April 2025, When the court gives final approval, only then the payment process will start.
✨ Conclusion – If you have faced problems with Apple Watch, now is the time for relief
On hearing the name of Apple Watch, we expect premium quality, great design and trust. But if such a big technical glitch occurs in a product, then the trust of the users is shaken.
This settlement is expected to bring justice to thousands of people who have faced serious problems like battery swelling in Apple Watch. If you too had complained, then without delay go to the WatchSettlement.com website, check your information and confirm your amount.
This is a good example of how the voice of a common customer can also reach big companies – just the right steps need to be taken at the right time.
