The lawsuit claims that Apple knowingly sold iPhones with defective batteries that struggled to handle high power demands, leading to sudden shutdowns. Instead of recalling these faulty devices, Apple allegedly issued iOS software updates with hidden “throttling” features, which slowed down older iPhones without informing users.
Many customers experienced performance drops but were unaware that Apple had deliberately limited their devices’ speed.
The lawsuit covers 23.8 million Apple customers who purchased one of the following models after December 12, 2016:
This case is currently limited to UK customers.
The £853 million lawsuit was filed by consumer rights advocate Justin Gutmann, who accuses Apple of deceiving customers and abusing its market dominance. He is supported by Balance Legal Capital LLP and has enlisted legal experts from Charles Lyndon to represent the case.
Apple is also facing another class-action lawsuit worth £1.5 billion over App Store pricing practices.
The lawsuit argues that Apple’s strict payment policies prevent developers from offering cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. Dr. Kent emphasizes that this lawsuit could result in millions of UK customers getting refunds for overpriced apps and in-app purchases.
“Just because Apple has a loyal customer base doesn’t mean they can act unfairly,” Dr. Kent stated. “They’ve blocked competitors and forced developers to pay high fees, which ultimately affect consumers.”
Apple is not the only tech giant under legal pressure. Governments and regulators worldwide are increasingly taking action against Big Tech’s business practices.
If the lawsuits succeed, Apple could face major financial penalties and be forced to change its policies.