In November last year, Apple reached a $35 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over sound issues with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Now, the deadline to claim payments is approaching.
According to Bloomberg Law, owners of the affected devices complained that the audio defect led to distorted sound and impaired the ability to make calls and use features like Siri. They alleged that the issue was related to the audio IC chip inside the devices and that Apple had violated consumer protection laws and breached warranty claims.
Apple denied the allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation and to benefit affected users. The company also maintained that the $35 million payment was not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.
If you owned or own an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023, and reported the issue to Apple, you may be eligible for a payment. If you paid Apple out of pocket for repairs or replacements related to the issue, you could receive between $50 ($1.27 million) and $349 ($8.86 million). If you reported the issue to Apple but did not pay to have it fixed, you could receive up to $125 ($3.17 million).
If you own one of the two iPhone 7 series phones but did not experience the issue, you are not eligible for compensation. If you have been notified by Apple that you may be eligible for a payment, you have until June 3 to claim it.
In addition, the lawyers representing consumers affected by the defect have requested $8.75 million in fees for their efforts, and they expect these fees to be paid from the settlement fund. A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for July 18 in California.
