Apple $35 Million Settlement for iPhone 7 Audio Issues

Owners of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus who have experienced audio issues with their devices may be eligible for compensation due to a class action settlement with Apple Inc. The settlement has established a $35 million fund to provide financial relief to affected consumers.

Who Benefits?: Individuals in the United States who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, and January 3, 2023, and encountered audio problems. How much can I get?: Eligible claimants may receive payments ranging from $50 to $349, depending on the nature of their complaint and any costs incurred for repairs.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: The Court will hold a hearing on July 18, 2024, to determine the fairness of the settlement.
• Deadline to File a Claim: Claimants must submit their payment information by June 3, 2024.

Who Are the Class Members?

The settlement defines Class Members as U.S. residents who owned an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus during the specified period and reported certain audio issues to Apple or paid for repairs or replacements due to these issues.

• Individuals who paid for repairs or replacements directly to Apple.
• Individuals who reported the audio issues to Apple but did not pay for repairs or replacements.

Those excluded from the Settlement Class include Apple and its affiliates, officers, and employees, as well as the judges involved in the case and their immediate families.

Understanding the Settlement Awards

Class Members are entitled to different levels of compensation based on their experiences with the audio issues.

• Paid Repairs or Replacements: Those who paid Apple for repairs or replacements may receive payments between $50 and $349.
• Reported Issues Only: Those who reported issues to Apple without paying for repairs may receive up to $125.

Affected Products

The settlement pertains to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models that suffered from audio issues potentially linked to the audio IC chip.

• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof of the reported audio issue or payment for repairs is necessary to claim the reward. Apple's records must reflect the complaint or payment.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, visit the official settlement claim page and provide your payment information by June 3, 2024. The payment can be received via electronic check, ACH transfer, or physical check.

$35 Million Settlement Fund

The $35 million settlement fund will cover payments to Class Members, attorneys' fees, expenses, service awards, and administrative costs. The exact payment amount each Class Member receives will depend on their individual circumstances and the total number of valid claims.

Why did Apple Settle?

This settlement resolves allegations that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus had audio issues. Apple has denied all allegations but has agreed to the settlement to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of litigation. The settlement provides a resolution for affected users and concludes the legal proceedings for those who do not opt out.