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
Please add me. Ive got an Iphone X, my wife got an Iphone XS. After the 14.7.1 update, my X crashed and would not update or restore. I went days without a phone. Apple wanted me to upgrade or pay for the full replacement price option. If you inspected my phone, you wont find a crack, no screen chips, no bruises, no water damage on my phone. Apple want to say its hardware, but my phone was forced into update mode by their software(after i ended a call and was on wifi). They refuse to to acknowledge their update crash my great condition phone. That same update slowed down my wife’s XS really bad, you cant help but notice all of the software glitches. I had to get a new phone(Android), in order to have phone service. I will never spend another dollar on apple again.
I updated my iPhone XR to the 14.1 update I believe it was and after doing that no matter what percentage my battery life was at it would shut off… it wouldn’t turn on until I plugged it in and showing my battery at 80-50% then one day plugging it in wouldn’t even turn it on!! Completely just crashed and never could get it to turn on. I took it to Best Buy and they couldn’t do anything so I had to get a new iPhone!! I got the iPhone 12 Pro, anytime I have it touching or close to my stomach it makes me very nauseous until I take it away… I know that sounds crazy but it’s the truth..
Please add me
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Please add me! Also, Every time a newer iPhone is about to or already HAS come out, my iPhone slows dramatically, doesn’t load or shuts down. After updating this is primary issue! I am tired of this scam!
I have an iPhone 11 that is only 14 months old. I am still paying the phone off through my carrier. I have STOPPED updating the phone because EACH UPDATE does more harm than good. My phones battery is CONSTANTLY low, Siri suddenly starts to mumble (?) or just changes my directions RANDOMLY when I use for directions..I could go on and on with OTHER issues. PLEASE ADD ME!
Please add me. With the five phones i purchased it should not be this crappy only after a year and a half. At $1,200.00 dollars a phone and note they are all needing to be replaced. I remember when a phone would last 5+ years but now you might get one good year out of it. It’s just ridiculous. I won’t be spending that much on a phone ever again.
My sons iPhone 8s keeps burning out our chargers and it won’t hold a charge. I complained to Apple and they blew me off. I purchase their products and chargers that cost more but am ready to go to the dreaded android. No wonder so many of my family members have ditched Apple products.
Please add me to this class action suit. I have an iPhone 12 mini bought in January 18, 2021, I have also experienced slow and low battery issues. Currently my battery health capacity is at 88%.
I have these issues with my iPhone 12