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.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
1,337 thoughts onApple Accused of Intentionally Damaging iPhones with Update in Class Action Lawsuit
My I phone 10 is slow drains the battery. Wife’s I12 worse lots of dropped calls. Add me to the list.
Please add me. I have two iPhone 11’s and it’s ongoing issues with both phones , it doesn’t do any good to contact anyone about it.. the phones are so slow, freezes up often and lets not talk about lost calls also the battery has to be charged often, plus more. It’s very frustrating to think you are paying to get something good only to have trouble with it.
Please include me
They do that shit to keep your ass coming back and buying another phone this is my fourth iPhone and I am done with the problems
Same problems. Also phone doesn’t ring or notify of texts any more.
When my iPhone 8 updated to iOS 14.5.1, it permanently damaged my phone to the point, it froze and I could no longer use the phone. I made an appointment with the Apple Store Genius Bar and the Tech informed me, it could not be updated; therefore, my information could not be backed up to iCloud. He would have to restore my phone and all my information would be deleted. I was livid. Apple still could not guarantee I would not have problems with my iPhone 8. I had to purchase a new iPhone from the Apple Store.
Add me please! Apple has become a nightmare lately and it really sucks because I am an apple lover. My entire family has apple.
Yes much slower service, have to charge phone more, so bought a charging phone case, lose calls, missing messages calls not coming threw phone but showing up as missed calls just couldn’t understand what was going on to much going on for what you pay for a good phone and service
add me – have several iphones
What’s bad about this situation is that my phone isn’t a new model and these same things happening to me a year after I have had to phone. It was a Mother’s Day gift from my kids. iPhone 7 plus