What "Batterygate" Was
In 2017, users discovered that Apple had quietly added a feature that slowed the performance of older iPhones. Apple said the throttling was meant to prevent unexpected shutdowns as lithium-ion batteries aged and could no longer deliver peak power. The problem was that Apple did not clearly disclose it — so customers experiencing a sluggish phone often assumed it was worn out and bought a new one, when a cheap battery replacement might have restored it.
The nondisclosure, more than the throttling itself, drove the litigation and the “planned obsolescence” accusations.
The Settlement
Apple agreed to a settlement of up to $500 million (with a floor around $310 million) to resolve the US class action, covering owners of pre-2018 iPhones — the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and SE running iOS 10.2.1 or later, plus the 7 and 7 Plus on iOS 11.2 or later. Eligible claimants received about $92 per device after the funds were divided; payments went out in 2024. Apple did not admit wrongdoing.
Apple separately made amends at the time by cutting the price of battery replacements and adding battery-health controls to iOS.
What Users Should Know
The claim window has closed. The lasting takeaway is practical: if an older phone feels slow, check its battery health before replacing the device — a degraded battery, not the phone, is often the cause, and a replacement battery is far cheaper than a new phone.
Before You Act
Thinking About Filing a Claim?
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Apple Batterygate Lawsuit: The $500 Million iPhone Settlement: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
What was Apple batterygate?
Apple quietly throttled older iPhones as their batteries aged, without clearly disclosing it, leading users to think their phones were worn out. A class action and $500 million settlement followed.
How much did the batterygate settlement pay?
Up to $500 million total; eligible owners received about $92 per affected device after the fund was divided, with payments sent in 2024.
Which iPhones were covered?
Pre-2018 models: iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and SE on iOS 10.2.1 or later, and iPhone 7 and 7 Plus on iOS 11.2 or later.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case status, eligibility criteria, and any amounts described are as reported at the date shown and may change. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your own situation.