- Apple is settling the 'Loop Disease' Audio issues lawsuit and has started notifying eligible customers via email.
- Users who bought an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, to January 3, 2023, are eligible for the compensation if they specify certain criteria.
- June 3, 2024, is the deadline to select a payment method, object to the settlement, or opt-out of it.
The six-year-long “iPhone 7 speaker issues” saga has finally seen its end. Last year, Apple agreed to pay $35 million to settle the US Action Lawsuit that alleged Apple of using defective chips that caused audio issues in iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. And now, Apple has started notifying eligible customers for compensation via email.
Apple was sued over the iPhone 7 audio issues in multiple US states in 2019. The complaints reported that the giant has violated consumer protection laws and breached warranties. According to the lawsuit, “the materials used in the iPhone’s external casing are insufficient and inadequate to protect the internal parts“.
As a result, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus users experienced a ‘grayed out’ speaker button during the calls, the other person couldn’t hear the user during cellular/FaceTime calls, inoperable Voice Memo app, and other audio-related issues. This alleged defect was known as “Loop Disease”. In 2018, Apple acknowledged a microphone issue on some units of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. However, the total number of affected units remains unknown.
Which iPhone 7 Users Are Eligible for Compensation?
A United States resident who bought an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 16, 2016, to January 3, 2023, and has documented a complaint with Apple regarding the audio issues covered by the settlement, is eligible for payments from Apple. Besides, if you’ve paid Apple to repair or replace your iPhone as a result of the covered audio issues, you qualify for a payment.
The tech giant is notifying the eligible customers. If you did not receive a notice but qualify to submit a claim, you can email info@smartphoneaudiosettlement.com.
According to the proposed settlement, the affected iPhone 7 and 7 Plus users will get up to $125, and if you’ve paid Apple from your pocket, you’ll get a claim of up to $349. The deadline to object to the settlement, select a payment method, or opt-out is June 3, 2024. You can find complete details on the Smartphone Audio Settlement website. The final approval hearing date by a California court is July 18, 2024.
Even if Apple has agreed to pay to settle the lawsuit, it denies any wrongdoing. Well, it seems the Cupertino tech giant is having a bumpy start in 2024. First, Apple had to split the AppStore into two to comply with the EU’s DMA deadline. Then, it has to revise the App Store guidelines to the outcome of the 2021 Apple vs Epic Games legal saga. And now, it has to settle another lawsuit.
