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
I have a 2020 iPhone se. the phone had a update for 14.1 that was scheduled overnight. When I woke the next morning my phone was froze on the update screen. It stayed like that all day and that evening I called support. The guy said it was a big update and just needed more time. Had me do a hard reset and then started the update again. He said by morning the phone would be good. I woke the next morning to my screen stating I needed to plug into a computer. It had completely locked my phone up. Luckily I still had a warranty on my phone and they sent a box for me to get it fixed. I ended up losing everything I had on my phone and was without if for almost two wks while they fixed it and sent it back to me. I’m afraid to update my phone after that. Since my phone will just randomly go back to the hello screen like you first purchased the phone and turned it on for the first time. Once I go through the steps then it comes back to my normal screen at home.
Have the iPhone Max Pro mine has had troubles since the update also my new iPad has lost battery time.
I’ve had serveral issues with iPhones and apple ipads. Please add
my iphone 11 I haven’t had a year yet, soon as these new updates came around my battery life has gone down horrible and my phone gets hot to touch now.
Please add me
I have an iPhone 6S. After updates my phone has not only slowed, but the battery fried. I knew it had to be related to the updates.
I had to replace my apple XR after the most recent update because it would not work at all. I had to pay $99 bucks for a replacement because there was a “scratch” on the phone
please add me
Add me I’ve had several iPhones with issues
Me as well iPhone user for the last 8 years