Apple’s making headlines again—but this time, it’s not about the latest iPhone. The tech giant has agreed to a $20 million class action settlement tied to battery swelling issues in older Apple Watch models.
If your Apple Watch ever popped its screen loose thanks to a swelling battery, you could get a payout between $20 and $50 per device. And the best part? You don’t even need to fill out a claim form.
Let’s break it down so you know if you’re in line for a check.
Background
Apple Watch owners started reporting issues with their screens popping off way back in the early days. Turns out, the lithium-ion batteries inside the devices could swell over time. The problem? There wasn’t enough room inside the watch for natural battery expansion. That led to pressure buildup, screen damage, and in some cases, totally unusable devices.
The lawsuit (case number 4:21-cv-09527-HSG, for the legal buffs) claims that Apple knew about the issue, didn’t do enough to fix it, and left customers footing the repair bills. While Apple hasn’t admitted wrongdoing, they’ve agreed to settle to the tune of $20 million to make the issue go away.
Eligibility
Think you might qualify? Here’s what you need:
- You own or previously owned an Apple Watch from one of these models:
- First Generation
- Series 1
- Series 2
- Series 3
- You reported battery swelling issues to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024
- Your issue was documented in Apple’s service records
- The device was used for personal or household use
No receipts or extra paperwork required. If you’re listed in Apple’s system, you’re good. Just make sure your payment details are confirmed on the official website.
Payouts
Your payment depends on how many people qualify and claim their slice of the pie. Here’s the structure:
| Claim Volume | Estimated Payout per Device |
|---|---|
| Low number of claims | Up to $50 |
| High number of claims | At least $20 |
If there are tons of eligible people, your check may lean closer to $20. But if fewer people qualify or confirm payment details, you could see up to $50 per watch. The $20 million fund also covers admin costs, legal fees, and other settlement-related expenses.
Timeline
A few key dates to keep in mind:
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Exclude or object to settlement | Feb 24, 2025 |
| Confirm payment details | May 10, 2025 |
| Final approval hearing | May 10, 2025 |
If you’re still on the fence about participating, act fast. Once the final hearing wraps up in May 2025, payments will start rolling out.
How to Get Paid
No claim form, no problem. But here’s what you do need to do:
- Go to WatchSettlement.com
- Verify or update your payment information
- Sit tight and wait for the funds to arrive after final approval
Skipping this step might mean delayed or missed payments. So don’t snooze on it.
Support
Got questions? Here’s who to contact:
Settlement Administrator: Angeion Group
Address: 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 800-783-1227
Website: WatchSettlement.com
This settlement is Apple’s way of closing the book on a long-standing hardware defect. If you owned an older Apple Watch and reported the battery swelling issue, check your eligibility and confirm your info before May 10, 2025.
That payout might not buy you a new watch, but it’s still something back for your trouble.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Apple Watch payout?
Owners of First Gen to Series 3 who reported swelling to Apple.
How much can I get per device?
Between $20 and $50 depending on claim volume.
Do I need to submit a claim form?
No, just confirm payment details online.
When is the final approval hearing?
The court hearing is set for May 10, 2025.
Where do I confirm payment details?
Visit WatchSettlement.com and update your info.
