Did your older Apple Watch become a ticking time bomb, with the screen popping off seemingly at random? While the phrase “owed a payout” can sound opportunistic—especially in a society some argue is overly litigious—this class-action settlement aims to compensate consumers who may have been legitimately harmed. If you owned a First Generation, Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3 Apple Watch and experienced issues related to battery swelling, you might be eligible for a portion of a recent $20 million settlement with Apple. This isn’t just about batteries losing their charge; it’s about a design flaw that allegedly led to swollen batteries pushing out screens and causing significant damage. Read on to see if you qualify, how much you might receive, and what steps you need to take.
TL;DR
- Settlement Amount: $20 million class-action lawsuit settlement for battery swelling issues in older Apple Watch models (First Generation, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3).
- Potential Payout: Approximately $20 per watch, possibly up to $50 if fewer people claim.
- Key Deadlines:
- Payment Info: Confirm or update by April 10, 2025.
- Opt Out: By February 24, 2025, if you want to pursue separate legal action.
- Eligibility: You must have reported issues potentially related to battery swelling (as recorded by Apple) while residing in the United States.
The Genesis of the Lawsuit: A Swelling Problem
The lawsuit, Smith et al. v. Apple Inc., Case No. 4:21-cv-09527 (N.D. Cal.), arose from claims that certain Apple Watch models (First Generation, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3) were prone to battery swelling due to a design defect. According to the plaintiffs, when lithium-ion batteries in these watches expanded, they pushed against other internal components—particularly the screen—causing it to crack, detach, or shatter. In some reported cases, detached or shattered screens even cut the user.
Beyond inconvenience, this was framed as a potential safety hazard. Many consumers alleged they were charged high fees for out-of-warranty repairs at Apple Stores, despite believing the problem was a manufacturing defect rather than misuse. The plaintiffs also claimed that Apple knew of this issue before the watches were sold, pointing to a 2011 patent application and Apple’s monitoring of online forums where users reported similar battery-related failures.
The Legal Battle: Allegations and Denials
Fraud by Omission
Plaintiffs alleged that Apple failed to disclose a known safety defect. They contended Apple knew about the possibility of battery swelling through product testing and consumer complaints but continued to market and sell the watches without proper warnings.
Breach of Implied Warranty
The suit claimed that Apple sold defective watches that were unfit for their intended use, thus breaching the implied warranty of merchantability.
Violations of Consumer Protection Statutes
Plaintiffs cited California’s Unfair Competition Law, the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and parallel laws in New York, Texas, and Florida.
Misleading Advertising
The lawsuit argued Apple’s ads emphasized health, fitness, and safety features without disclosing the potential for battery swelling and screen detachment.
Apple denied all allegations and liability, maintaining that it was settling to avoid the costs of ongoing litigation and was not admitting wrongdoing or a hardware defect.
The Settlement: Who’s Eligible?
A settlement reached in August 2024 established a $20 million fund for eligible class members. Eligibility criteria include:
- Eligible Devices: First Generation, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 Apple Watches.
- Residency Requirement: You must be a natural person living in the United States who owned the watch for personal or household use.
- Apple’s Records: Apple’s internal records must show that you reported issues potentially related to battery swelling in the U.S.
- Class Period: April 24, 2015, to February 6, 2024. You must have owned one of the affected watches during this time frame.
- No Per-Person Limit: Multiple devices can mean multiple payouts; however, each device is only eligible for one payment.
How Much Can You Expect?
The actual payout depends on how many eligible owners come forward. Early estimates suggest around $20 per device. If fewer claims are made and there are still enough leftover funds (more than $50,000 in surplus), the payout could increase to as much as $50 per device.
How to Claim Your Payment
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- Check for Notification
Keep an eye on your mailbox and email for a notice from the settlement administrator indicating you are eligible.
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- Confirm or Update Payment Information (Deadline: April 10, 2025)
- Go to www.watchsettlement.com
- Scan the QR code on the notice you receive
- Email a completed form to the Settlement Administrator
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- Choose Your Payment Method
- Physical check
- Electronic check
- ACH transfer (direct deposit) — only available via the online form
- Virtual prepaid Visa or MasterCard
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- Do Nothing
If the Settlement Administrator has your valid, current information, you will still receive a payment.
Opting Out
If you wish to pursue your own legal action against Apple, you can opt out of the settlement by February 24, 2025. By opting out, you forfeit your settlement payment but retain the right to sue Apple independently for claims related to this lawsuit. To opt out:
- Submit a Request: Either use the portal on the settlement website or send a letter via U.S. mail.
- Include Identifying Info: Your name, address, phone number, and a personal signature.
- Use Clear Language: State that you want to “opt out” or be excluded from the settlement.
- Mind the Deadline: It must be postmarked or electronically submitted by February 24, 2025.
If you both submit payment information and an exclusion request, your payment request takes precedence, and your exclusion request will be invalid.
Objecting to the Settlement
If you believe the settlement is unfair, you can object. However, you cannot ask the Court to approve a larger
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- Write to the Court by February 24, 2025 with:
- Your full name, address, phone number, and email address
- The case name/number: Smith et al. v. Apple Inc., Case No. 4:21-cv-09527 (N.D. Cal.)
- Verification that you are a settlement class member
- Whether your objection applies to you, a specific subset of the class, or the entire class
- Reasons for your objection
- Your personal signature and the date
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- Attend the Hearing (Optional)
- The hearing is set for April 10, 2025.
- If you want to speak at the hearing, include a “Notice of Intention to Appear” in your objection.
Important Dates
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February 24, 2025
Deadline to opt out or file an objection. -
April 10, 2025
Deadline to confirm or update payment information; also the date of the final fairness hearing.
The Fine Print
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Releases
By accepting a payment, you release Apple from any future claims related to this lawsuit, including claims you might not currently be aware of. -
No Admission of Liability
Apple denies wrongdoing and is not conceding that any defect exists. -
Settlement Fund Distribution
The $20 million covers notice/administration costs, attorney fees, service awards for lead plaintiffs, and class payments. Any unclaimed funds go to the Rose Foundation’s Consumer Products Fund—Apple does not get unclaimed funds back.
The Bigger Picture: Consumer Rights and Corporate Responsibility
This settlement reminds us of the importance of consumer rights and corporate accountability. Class-action lawsuits can help consumers who otherwise might not have the resources to take on a tech giant in court. While the settlement may not fully reimburse everyone for their Apple Watch troubles, it does provide some measure of redress for users who experienced harm.
It also highlights how essential transparency is: the plaintiffs claimed Apple advertised the watch as safe and reliable without disclosing a potentially serious defect. Ultimately, consumers should have full information about risks associated with the products they buy.
The link that people should know is www.watchsettlement.com, which is the website for the class action settlement regarding Apple Watches. This website contains important information about the settlement, including how to confirm registration as a member of the settlement class, how to update payment information, and how to opt out of the settlement
Conclusion
If you own or owned an older Apple Watch in the affected models, make sure to check whether you qualify for this settlement. Deadlines are fast approaching, so don’t miss your opportunity to confirm your payment details. Even if you’re not eligible, this is a reminder to stay informed about your consumer rights and take action if you suspect a product defect.
Although Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing, this settlement shows that even major tech companies can face liability when consumers band together. Stay aware, watch the deadlines, and decide whether to claim your share or explore other legal options if you believe they better suit your situation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. If you have specific questions about this settlement or any legal matter, consider consulting with an attorney.