Apple Watch Settlement Will Provide $20M in Payouts Over Battery Swelling Problems

Apple has reached a settlement with customers who claim that battery swelling in First Generation (Series 0) as well as Series 1, 2, and 3 smartwatches caused the devices’ faces to shatter, posing a risk of serious injuries.

In an Apple Watch class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in December 2021, Chris Smith and others claim that Apple Inc. failed to provide adequate space within the lithium-ion battery compartment to accommodate swelling, which compromised the integrity of the watch’s face.

Smith’s complaint states that the defect could cause the watches’ screens to detach, shatter, or crack, creating an unexpected safety hazard. The complaint further notes that customers were at risk of cuts, lacerations, abrasions and other injuries due to the Apple Watch defect.

Although Apple has continued to deny any wrongdoing, a settlement agreement (PDF) was reached between Apple, Smith and other plaintiffs on August 12, 2024, in which the company agreed to provide $20 million to customers who were affected by the alleged defect.

Customers who purchased Series 0, 1, 2 or 3 Apple Watches and reported a battery defect with the product to Apple customer service between the dates of April 24, 2015 and February 6, 2024 may be eligible to receive a portion of the settlement.

Some settlement members will receive notification of their eligibility for payment through email or by postcard.

Apple maintains records of customers who own smartwatches and reported defects in them to the company’s customer service department, meaning there is no action those customers need to take to claim their portion of the settlement. The final settlement amount will be mailed via check to the address that Apple has on file for the customer.

However, those who believe they are eligible for payment should confirm their address, email and how they wish to receive payment on the settlement website by April 10, 2025.

Payments can be made via check, e-check, ACH transfer, or a prepaid virtual MasterCard or Visa. Customers who accept payments will waive their future rights to any legal action against Apple over the smartwatch battery defect.

Eligible customers who do not wish to receive a payment can also choose to opt out of payment, or file an appeal. The deadline for class members to opt out of or appeal payment is February 24, 2025.

According to the Settlement Schedule (PDF), a final hearing to approve the settlement will be held on April 10, 2025. If necessary, there will still be time for the appeals process after that.

The exact amount that each customer will receive from the settlement depends on how many individuals are a part of the class action claim. Those who owned multiple watches will be eligible for payments on each one that has a reported defect.

Users who are unsure whether they are included in the settlement can contact 1-844-933-4042.