A $20 million settlement between Apple and customers resolves(Apple Watch Settlement) a battery fault lawsuit concerning Apple Watch Series 0 and subsequent versions and might result in financial compensation for eligible owners. Smith et al. v. Apple Inc., case number 4:21-cv-09527-HSG, argued that the batteries within First Generation (Series 0), Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 Apple Watch models swelled because of a flawed design.

Users faced possible safety risks because explosive swelling of the battery would lead to screen deterioration, resulting in both loosening and cracking issues. The funds from the settlement benefiting US consumers who reported battery problems to Apple within established time frames support the settlement.

The Start of the Lawsuit

The class action lawsuit, started in December 2021, claimed that Apple didn’t put enough space inside the first Apple Watch models for the lithium-ion batteries to expand normally when they were used. People who filed the lawsuit said this mistake in design caused pressure to build up, making the batteries swell and often damaging the watch’s screen.

This damage could be small cracks or the screen completely coming off, which could have sharp edges and make the watch not work. Besides the problems with the watch, the lawsuit also pointed out that people could get hurt, like getting cuts from the broken screens. The legal case lasted almost three years before a settlement was agreed on August 12, 2024, showing that it took a lot of work to find a solution.

Who Can Get Money?

The settlement is for people in the United States who owned or currently own one of these Apple Watch models

• First Generation Apple Watch (Series 0)
• Apple Watch Series 1
• Apple Watch Series 2
• Apple Watch Series 3

We confirm that your payment details are correct and without mistakes anyway before the money comes to your account. In case there are any questions or you are in doubt of whether you are suitable at the same time, you can reach the Settlement Administrator by calling 1-844-933-4042.

What Can Be the Total Amount of Money?

People who are eligible should get a message by email or mail with instructions on how to confirm or update their payment information. To get a payment, you need to go to the official settlement website: www.watchsettlement.com. On the website, you can choose how you want to get paid, such as by a paper check, an electronic check, a direct deposit to your bank, or a virtual prepaid Visa or MasterCard.

The last day to confirm or update your payment information and choose how you want to be paid is April 10, 2025. If Apple already knows you reported battery swelling, you usually don’t need to fill out a claim form. But you still need to check your payment details to make sure you get the money. If you have any questions or aren’t sure if you’re eligible, you can call the Settlement Administrator at 1-844-933-4042.

How Much Money Could You Get?

The estimated payment for each Apple Watch that had a problem is about $20. 1 But this amount could change depending on how many people make a claim and how much money is left in the settlement fund. If there isn’t enough money, the payments might be less than $20. If there’s more than $50,000 left after everyone is paid and the costs are covered, people might get up to $50 for each watch. 1 The payments will only be sent out after the court gives its final approval to the settlement and, if there are any appeals, after those are finished. 1 The final hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for April 10, 2025. 1

What You Give Up

If you accept a payment from this settlement, you will give up your right to start or be part of any other legal action against Apple about the battery swelling issue in these specific Apple Watch models. This is a normal part of class action settlements. People who wanted to keep their right to sue Apple separately about this issue had the option to exclude themselves (opt-out) from the settlement by February 24, 2025.

What People Are Saying and News Coverage

Online discussions on sites like Reddit show different opinions about the settlement. Many users have shared their stories of battery swelling in these Apple Watch models, which sometimes caused the screen to come off, making them worry about safety. Some people are not happy with the possible $20 payment, saying it’s too low, especially because the watches cost a lot and the problem could cause damage. The rules for who can get money, especially the part about having to report the problem to Apple, have also been discussed, with some users who had the issue but didn’t report it feeling like they are being treated unfairly. News about the settlement has been widely reported by tech and legal news sources.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Swell

Different electronic devices experience lithium-ion battery swelling as the core issue of this legal dispute. Battery swelling occurs mainly because internal gases accumulate within the battery cell. Battery swelling occurs because of several factors, including overcharging the cell combined with manufacturing defects, extreme heat, physical damage, and the results of aging. Sometimes minor swelling occurs normally in batteries, but large amounts of swelling indicate a dangerous condition, which could result from battery breakage, hazardous material leakage, or fire risk.

In Conclusion: What You Need to Know

Eligible owners in the United States who reported early Apple Watch battery malfunctions that endangered screen integrity may obtain compensation through this settlement process. The $20 million fund supports American owners who contacted Apple regarding the battery swelling issue for their first-generation Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 Apple Watch models from April 24, 2015, until February 6, 2024.

Visitors need to check the official settlement website, www.watchsettlement.com, to verify their payment details before April 10, 2025. If you accept a payment, you will be giving up any future claims against Apple about this specific issue. This settlement shows how class action lawsuits can help when many people have the same problem with a product and can provide a way to get money back, even if the company doesn’t admit it did anything wrong.
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Table: Apple Watch Models Included in the Settlement

Table: Key Dates for the Apple Watch Battery Settlement