In 2018, a class action lawsuit was initiated against Apple, claiming that early Apple Watch models had defects that could potentially result in the display cracking or detaching from the device casing.
While Apple has admitted to some problems linked to swollen batteries and has provided free repairs, the company has not covered cracked or detached screens. Recently, a financial settlement has been reached regarding this matter.
The Issue with Swollen Batteries
The concern first emerged in 2017 when owners of the original Apple Watch (‘Series 0’) reported that swollen batteries were causing the display to bulge away from the casing. In response, Apple provided a complimentary three-year extended warranty for affected devices.
This problem also affected certain Series 2 models, particularly the 42mm variants of Sport, Nike+, Hermès, and Edition. Although Apple did not formally extend the warranty, they did offer free service for this issue for up to three years, regardless of warranty status.
Moreover, additional concerns appeared with some Series 3 GPS models, which displayed visible stripes. This issue was also suspected to be related to swollen batteries exerting pressure on the display.
Cracked and Detached Displays
Some Apple Watch users experienced cracking or detachment of the display from the casing. Despite claims that these issues stemmed from swollen batteries, Apple did not recognize this nor provide any form of warranty coverage, asserting that screen damage was classified as accidental damage.
A class action lawsuit was filed in 2018, accusing Apple of being aware of defects in Series 0 to Series 3 models but rejecting warranty claims.
Apple was aware that the Watches were defective at or prior to their public launch. Furthermore, customers raised concerns about the Defect shortly after the release of Series 0, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 Watches […]
Apple’s response to the Defect indicates that its internal policy is to deny the existence of the Defect, attribute it to “accidental damage” from consumers, and then refuse to uphold its Limited Warranty based on those claims.
$20M Apple Watch Settlement
While Apple has consistently denied the allegations made in the lawsuit, CNET reports that the company has now consented to a settlement totaling $20M.
In a statement to CNET, Apple countered the allegations, asserting that the Apple Watch is “engineered to be safe and reliable.”
“This settlement pertains to buyers of the Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase,” the company stated. “While we firmly disagree with the assertions related to these early generation Apple Watch models, we chose to settle to prevent further litigation.”
The compensation will vary between $20 to $50 each, depending on the volume of claims filed.
Eligibility and Claim Process
To be eligible, you must:
- Have owned a qualifying Apple Watch model in the US
- Reported the issue to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024
Apple will automatically inform those with valid claims, and no action is required to participate in the settlement. Payments will be made using the payment method Apple has on record for you.
However, to ensure everything is in order, it’s advisable to check this link to confirm your payment details are current. You can only do this after Apple reaches out to provide you with unique login codes, and it must be completed by April 10, 2025.
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