US States adds another $113 million to $500 million iPhone Throttlegate settlement

In May 2020 Federal District Judge Edward Davila giving preliminary approval for a maximum $500 million settlement in the long-running Throttlegate saga.

It was discovered that Apple was throttling iPhones via OS updates so old (and some say poor quality) batteries lasted longer. What Apple failed to do however was tell iPhone owners that a simple battery swap could make their iPhone work as good as new, obviating the need to buy a new iPhone to regain performance.

In the end, Apple tried to make good by offering most iPhone users $20 battery replacements for the iPhone, but regulators were as easily satisfied.

Now on top of the earlier $500 million settlement, an additional $113 million was allocated when more states joined the case.

“Investigators from 34 states and the District of Columbia, including Democratic and Republican attorneys general, joined the settlement,” The Washington Post notes. “Apple declined comment for this story, and its agreement with the states does not require it to admit guilt. The company in 2018 tweaked its settings to make its battery-management practices clearer to users.”

While the sums involved may be large, in May it was reported that, unless lawyer fees fell below $310 million most iPhone owners in the class will likely only get about $25, though the worse affected may receive up to $500.

via BGR