Kit Roberts
Apple users who have an older model of iPhone can claim compensation as part of a settlement from the company.
The tech giant settled out of court to the tune of $35 million following the submission of a class action lawsuit, which alleged material defects in particular models of iPhone.
Part of the settlement includes compensation for customers who owned an Apple iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16 and January 3 2023.
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They must have owned these models of iPhones during this period and complained about audio issues and paid for repairs themselves.
Users who fit this criteria can submit a claim for up to $349.
Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing in settling the lawsuit out of court.
The lawsuit centred around a 'failure of the audio integrated circuit', which was caused by defective audio chips.
It accused the tech giant of 'concealing a material defect that ultimately causes iPhone audio features to become unresponsive and fail of their essential purpose as smartphones.'
So, if you are eligible, how do you lodge a claim?
First of all, make sure that you fit the criteria.
Just to reiterate, these are that you owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16 and January 3 2023, complained about audio problems, and paid for repairs yourself.
If you paid for repairs yourself, which left you out of pocket you may be eligible for at least $50 and up to $349.
People who complained about the defect but did not pay for repairs are eligible for a payment of $125.
You do not need to provide a receipt of the repair as this will be confirmed with Apple's repair records.
Unfortunately, this does mean if you went to a third party for a repair that may complicate things.
There is also a deadline to submit a claim, as well as to object to the settlement or exclude yourself from it.
This is June 3 2024 for submitting any claims, while the final approval hearing for the settlement is set for July 18.
If you are eligible and don't file a claim or don't exclude yourself from the settlement then you won't get any payment and will not be able to bring another complaint against Apple over this issue.
The suit claimed: "As a result of Apple’s unfair, deceptive, and/or fraudulent business practices, owners of the iPhones, including Plaintiffs, have suffered ascertainable losses.
"The unfair and deceptive trade practices committed by Apple were conducted in a manner giving rise to substantial aggravating circumstances."
UNILAD has reached out to Apple for comment.