Some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus owners might qualify for a payment from a $35 million settlement. Users who had problems with the audio chip could get up to $349 as part of a lawsuit filed in 2019 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.
Users who had certain models between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023, and experienced problems with features like FaceTime, loudspeaker, Siri, or the voice memo app, or had to pay for a repair, may be eligible.
According to the Settlement Administration website, Apple has denied any issues with the devices and all claims of misconduct. Apple has not yet provided a comment in response to the matter.
The problem originated from the audio chip, which controls how sound is produced through speakers or headphones. Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 models in September 2016 to improve sound quality, create a slimmer design, and enhance water resistance.
If you qualify, you may receive a notification via email or postcard regarding the settlement. The deadline to submit a claim on the website is June 3. The final approval hearing is scheduled for July 18.
Apple has had previous lawsuit payouts for the iPhone 7 models. Customers who bought the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, or the SE before December 21, 2017, were entitled to receive $25 as part of a settlement from a $500 million class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Apple was intentionally slowing down older devices with software updates, pushing users to buy the newest iPhone model.
Editor's P/S:
The recent settlement regarding the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus audio chip issue highlights the importance of product reliability and consumer protection. It is concerning that Apple initially denied any problems with the devices, despite widespread reports of audio malfunctions. The settlement demonstrates that companies cannot ignore consumer concerns and that legal action can be an effective means of seeking redress.
The article also sheds light on Apple's history of lawsuits related to its iPhone models. The previous settlement over the intentional slowing down of older devices raises questions about the company's business practices and its commitment to customer satisfaction. It is important for consumers to be aware of potential issues with products they purchase and to hold companies accountable for any wrongdoing.
