A consumer says that Apple has used software updates, including iOS 14.5, 14.5.1, and 14.6, to damage iPhone models 11, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max in a class action lawsuit filed Tuesday.
Lead plaintiff Andrew Crittenden seeks to represent iPhone owners nationwide in a class action lawsuit filed in California federal court. Crittenden says that updates to certain iPhones have damaged their processing speeds and causes their batteries to drain faster. He accuses Apple of releasing the updates, knowing they will cause damage.
“This case is about knowing and intentional damage inflicted by Apple through software updates, including (but not limited to) to iPhone models 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max,” states the class action lawsuit.
Crittenden, a California resident, says he owns an Apple iPhone Pro Max. He says that he updated his mobile operating system, called “iOS,” as soon as the software became available. Crittenden says that Apple encourages users to update their iPhones to the latest operating system to help keep their devices secure; however, he says that after he updated his iPhone, he experienced slower performance and poor battery life.
Crittenden says that he is not alone and that within days of the Apple iPhone update being released, consumers complained of degraded performance and battery problems.
The class action lawsuit alleges that Apple knows the iOS update will result in problems for current iPhone users. In fact, the company relies on these problems, called “throttling,” in order to encourage consumers to purchase new and ever-more expensive iPhones.
The plaintiff accuses the tech giant of failing to acknowledge the problem even in the face of thousands of complaints by iPhone users who say that updates damaged their smartphones. Crittenden claims that it is in Apple’s own interest not to inform users that their devices will suffer if they download recommended updates.
Instead, claims the class action lawsuit, Apple lets users believe that poor battery life and failing performance is the natural result of an aging iPhone.
“Moreover, degrading device performance ahead of product launches may also allow Apple to drum up demand for faster phones with longer battery life. New iPhone models are typically launched every fall,” points out the complaint.
Apple has been accused of using updates to throttle older iPhones before. Several years ago, the company faced a number of throttling class action lawsuits after its iOS 11 update allegedly damaged the performance of smartphones and harmed battery life.
Crittenden wants to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who experienced problems with their iPhone 8 through the newest model after downloading iOS 14.5, iOS 14.5.1, or iOS 14.6. He accuses Apple of violating federal computer fraud laws, California consumer protection laws, and meddling with consumers’ iPhones.
The class action lawsuit wants Apple to pay damages, court, and attorney fees, as well as a court order stopping the company from releasing future harmful iOS updates.
Have you had trouble with your Apple iPhone update? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!
The plaintiff is represented by Alex R. Straus of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC.
The Apple iPhone Update Class Action Lawsuit is Crittenden v. Apple, Inc., Case No. 5:21-cv-04322 in the U.S. District Court Northern District of California San Jose Division.
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1,336 thoughts onApple Accused of Intentionally Damaging iPhones with Update in Class Action Lawsuit
My iphone xr loses battery life quick now. I have to charge it a couple of times per day! When I first got it I could go a couple of days!
I have the 12 pro max since the updates my phone has been throttled. It’s awful very slow drained battery phone won’t stay connected to the WiFi. Something needs to be done to correct this issue.
First of all I had an iPhone 6s , which the battery died on me. Then I got an iPhone xr and have been having problem with the phone since the had it dropping calls and problem with problem with people hearing me or I’m hearing them.!Thisbis not a good Phone all.
OMG I have 2 iPhone XR’s and have had phone problems since day one. They exchanged the phone in the beginning twice but people could still not hear me. They know this is a problem yet are doing nothing to resolve it and make this office able to use properly. HELP
After using iPhone models 6, 8+, and now SE. I would think the updates would improve my battery life. I was wrong in thinking the updates help with performance. I join my fellow consumers in wanting a fix or a resolution from Apple.
Absolutely, supposed to make it better not worse.
After I updated my IPhone, the Battery only lasts about 1 or 2 hours now
I’m on my 3rd IPhone because the BATTERY stops holding its charge! RIDICULOUS!!
I have an iPhone 7 Plus and each time I charge it I have to immediately put my phone on battery saver to keep the phone from losing it charge so quickly.
Same here, So unhappy with these problems, I doubt I will ever buy another iPhone, unless this can be taken care of ASAP!!
I have the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The phone has been a problem since day one. Now with the new updates my battery won’t hold a charge, the phone now has to be recharged through out the day and the problem of over heating is back. Funny they too this model phone off the market and you can’t even have the phone replaced. Why would Apple take a new model worth more the 1300. Off shortly after it was released? A piece of junk that was very expensive and not really usable!