If you have ever opened your Apple Watch and thought, “Wow, this battery looks a bit bloated,” there might be a chance for you to get paid for free. A new class-action lawsuit has sparked a $20 million settlement from Apple over battery swelling issues, and if you own one of the affected models, you could be in line for a payout. This means, that even if your Watch is still keeping time just fine, it might be worth checking if you’re eligible for compensation.
For some early adopters, their Apple Watches were seen swelling up from inside. Users of the first-generation Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models began noticing that their devices were expanding. The cause? A battery issue that resulted in swelling within the tight compartments of the Watch, often leading to malfunctions, like the display popping off or malfunctioning.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing in the matter but agreed to settle the case and avoid protracted litigation. Hence, the $20 million payout.
If you own one of the models involved – first-gen Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3 -and you are experiencing issues with the battery swelling, you may qualify for a payout. The crucial factor here is that you needed to have reported the issue (via customer service or complaint) sometime between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024.
For example, take Sarah from New York who had a Series 2 Apple Watch. One day, she noticed her screen was slightly raised, and the Watch wasn’t charging properly. A quick call to Apple Support confirmed that it was likely battery swelling. Sarah was one of the lucky few who received a settlement notice and can now file a claim for a cash payout.
The amount you receive will depend on how many people file claims. If the number of claims is lower, the payout could be closer to $50 which is nearly Rs 4000. If there are more claims, it might drop closer to the $20 mark which is roughly Rs 1700.
Head to the settlement website (watchsettlement.com), scan a QR code, and submit your claim. You can choose how you want to receive your payment: by check, ACH transfer, or even a prepaid Visa or MasterCard. You’ll need to submit your claim by April 10, 2025.