Apple Settles $35 Million Lawsuit Over iPhone 7 Audio Defects in 2023
In a significant development this year, Apple has allocated $35 million to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning audio malfunctions in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Claimants impacted by the defective chip issues are now beginning to receive their settlements starting this month.
According to reports from 9to5Mac, most individuals who lodged claims are expected to receive around $200 each, with some fortunate recipients seeing payouts as high as $349.
The Claim Process: Key Dates and Eligibility
The window for submitting claims concluded last year; thus if you have only recently learned about this lawsuit, there is no opportunity left for financial restitution.
This class action included all U.S. residents who owned either an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus from September 16, 2016 through January 3, 2023. Eligibility was contingent upon having reported audio-related problems directly to Apple or having borne repair costs out of pocket due to the acknowledged issues.
Background of the Lawsuit
The maximum compensation amount of $349 was available specifically for those who incurred expenses fixing identifiable defects through Apple’s services. The lawsuit stemmed from multiple allegations initiated in several U.S. states back in
2019 that claimed Apple’s actions breached consumer protection laws and violated warranty agreements; however, despite reaching a settlement agreement now, Apple continues to deny any misconduct.
“Loop Disease”: An Internal Acknowledgment of Issues
An internal memo obtained by MacRumors back in May of last year revealed that Apple had recognized issues with microphones on certain versions of the iPhones:
- Affected customers experienced microphone failures following updates like iOS version 11.3; during calls using cellular networks or FaceTime, they found that their speaker button appeared disabled.
- You may encounter scenarios where your recorded videos or voice memos played back without any sound at all post-update.
This malfunction has been popularly referred to online as “Loop Disease.” Factors alleged within the lawsuit pointed towards inadequate materials utilized within these devices’ external casings resulting in breaches affecting internal electrical components over time due to regular wear and tear—the exact scope regarding how many units suffered remains uncertain.
The Aftermath: Response from Service Providers
Initially allowing service providers latitude via “warranty exceptions,” which led some users towards complimentary repairs ended abruptly by July 2018 when relevant documents were expunged by Apple. Consequently afterward some customers became subjectively liable for out-of-warranty fees approximately estimated at $300 within regions across America.