A Canadian court in British Columbia has approved a settlement resolving a class action that accused Apple of throttling the performance of certain iPhone models without clearly informing users. The ruling was reported by CNBC in coverage following the case.
The settlement requires Apple to pay damages totaling between 11.1 million and 14.4 million US dollars. Eligible participants in the class action will receive individual payments ranging from 17.50 to 150.00 dollars, with the exact amount determined by the number of valid claims submitted. This framework ensures compensation for affected iPhone owners who experienced reduced device performance tied to battery and power management issues.
Canadian media outlet CBC News noted that the lawsuits began in 2018 and spanned several provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, among others. The legal actions followed Apple’s acknowledgment that it restricted the maximum performance of certain iPhones with aging batteries. The company implemented this measure to prevent unexpected shutdowns and to maintain device reliability when battery capacity waned.
The feature in question appeared with the release of iOS 10.2.1, and Apple faced significant public scrutiny for not notifying users about the change. In response to the backlash, the company apologized for the lack of transparency and temporarily reduced the price of battery replacements as a form of remediation for affected customers. These events underscored the importance of clear communication about software-driven performance decisions and their impact on user experience.
Eligible plaintiffs include Canadians who owned or purchased models such as iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, or iPhone SE, as well as iPhone 7 devices running iOS 10.2.1 or later prior to December 21, 2017. This group also included devices running iOS 11.2 or later on the iPhone 7 Plus when applicable. The scope covers both long-time residents and recent buyers who were affected during the relevant period, reflecting the broad impact of the issue and the common consumer experience across Canada.
In the broader regulatory landscape, Apple has faced other significant settlements in different jurisdictions. For instance, the company reached a notable €1.84 billion settlement related to the Spotify case in Europe. These parallel actions illustrate a pattern of scrutiny around how tech firms disclose performance-related decisions tied to device hardware and software updates, and how such disclosures influence consumer trust and market conduct. The Canadian case contributes to the ongoing discussion about consumer rights, corporate transparency, and the responsibilities of device manufacturers in maintaining performance without compromising user safety or battery health.
Parties in the Canadian settlement emphasized that the resolution aims to provide direct relief to affected users while avoiding protracted litigation. The agreement outlines the distribution mechanism and claims process, offering a clear path for eligible iPhone owners to obtain compensation without the need for extensive court proceedings. The outcome also signals the importance of transparent labeling and user education regarding any software-driven optimization that could affect device performance over time. The settlement represents a practical remedy for consumers who experienced performance changes without sufficient notice, reinforcing expectations for future disclosure practices in the tech industry.
Overall, the case highlights the balance between device reliability and consumer autonomy. It shows how courts, regulators, and manufacturers are increasingly attentive to how performance management features are communicated and implemented. When companies take steps to preserve device longevity and prevent unexpected shutdowns, they must also ensure users understand what is happening and why. The resolution in British Columbia stands as a notable example of holding large technology firms accountable while providing relief to individuals who were affected by a hardware and software integration decision. [Citation: CNBC coverage; CBC News reporting; relevant European settlement context]