If you were one of the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus users who had been affected by audio issues, you only have until June 3 to claim your piece of the $35 million lawsuit settlement.
Apple was sued over the issue in several U.S. states in 2019, with the lawsuits alleging that the company violated consumer protection laws and breached warranties. While Apple agreed to a settlement, it has denied any wrongdoing.
You may be eligible for a payment if you are a U.S. resident who owned an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023. You must have reported audio issues covered by the settlement to Apple, and/or paid out of pocket to have an iPhone repaired or replaced due to the covered issues.
Those who did not receive a notice, but believe they are eligible to submit a claim, are instructed to email info@smartphoneaudiosettlement.com.
The deadline to select a payment method, object to the settlement, or opt-out is June 3, with more details available on the settlement notice website. Those who paid Apple out of pocket could receive up to $349, while others could get up to $125, according to the proposed settlement, which requires approval by a California court on July 18.
Apple acknowledged in an internal document that an issue with the microphone was affecting some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models:
Some customers might report that after they’ve updated to iOS 11.3, the microphone on their iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus doesn’t work and the speaker button is grayed out when they make or receive a call.
Symptoms:
– The speaker button is grayed out during calls
– Other people are unable to hear the customer on cellular or FaceTime calls
– If a customer plays back a video or voice memo that they’ve made after installing iOS 11.3, there is no sound
Apple never publicly posted a service program about the issue on its website.
The class action lawsuit alleged that “the materials used in the iPhone’s external casing are insufficient and inadequate to protect the internal parts.” It claims that this eventually resulted in the audio chip losing electrical contact with the logic board.
While Apple never admitted that it had done anything wrong, the company agreed to settle the case for $35 million in 2023.
As reported by The Verge, users who experienced audio issues with their iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus and who paid for a repair will receive a payout of “at least $50 and no more than $349.” iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus owners who had contacted Apple about repairs but who did not pay for the repair, will receive as much as $125. Payout amounts depend on the number of people who file a claim.
Individual persons who are United States residents and who own or owned an Apple iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016 and January 3, 2023, and reported to Apple in the United States issues reflected in Apple’s records as Sound-Speaker, Sound-Microphone, Sound – Receiver, Unexpected Restart / Shutdown, or Power On – Device Unresponsive (“Covered Issues”), including but not limited to those who paid Apple out of pocket for repairs or replacements for Covered Issues as reflected in Apple’s records.
If you’re an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus user who believes you are eligible for a piece of the action, you’re instructed to visit the settlement website. Check the FAQ or call 1-833-633-0343 for more details.
A final hearing to approve the settlement will be held on July 18, after which payments will begin to be distributed to class members (and the lawyers, of course).