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 12 pro max ive had nothing but issues since I had the phone drop calls, people not hearing me , muffed called the list goes on
After I installed the update my iphone is running way slower, battery runs down very fast!!
I have IPhone 11 and after each update my phone has slowed down and I’ve had to reset it once because it started to freeze up and not answer calls. My daughter has the same issues with hers too. Sometimes the phone has to completely die and be recharged before we can access it. Haven’t had these phones a whole year!
I’m experiencing the same loss of battery life after updating my iPhone 11 to the most recent updates of iOS 14. Add me please
I’ve notice a lot more drop calls with the updates. I have to turn my IPhone 11 off and on sometimes for a message and a call to go through. Overall slow connectivity.
since ios updates i have had to rebuild the phone due to crash, it crash later requiring key combination to get it to work, missing apps, missing all my voice messages and battery percentage is going down in less then one year
Add me, too. I’ve noticed both performance and battery drain issues
I have an Iphone 11 and it is a piece of junk. Actually, this is my second phone, they had to replace the first phone because after updated it got stuck and eventually the voice box went out on the first phone after having the phone 3-4months. It continues to get stuck, dropped calls, calls breaks up really bad and I am unable to have a clear conversation (most of the time) while in use. I’ve switched service from Verizon to Sprint and now to AT&T, still very bad reception…It’s the quality of the iphone 11. I should have stuck with my iphone 6.. This is the worst phone ever…total junk! Worst reception I have ever had with a cell phone. I had a metro phone that was far superior than apple. Please add me to this lawsuit.
Add me.
Same problem here.