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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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1,331 thoughts onApple Accused of Intentionally Damaging iPhones with Update in Class Action Lawsuit
Please add me. I have the 12 Pro Max. Since the most recent software update, my phone operates slower, drops calls, and it gets hot and powers off.
Add me
12 Pro Max, freezing, calls drop, phone automatically and randomly reboots and erases important information. Battery life, an entire different story. I have to carry a power bank around.
These updates appear to be an aged marketing scheme.
PLEASE ADD ME
Please add me.This is all a game for Apple to dupe you into buying the new iphones in September 2021
add me
My whole family has the iPhone 11 , after doing each and every update it seems our batteries die easy and our phones will freeze up and I’ve had a ton of crazy things happen , not able to power down phone, my phone will loose data
I have only ever owned iPhones and agree 100% please add me I dread getting updates as I know it only means soon I will have to upgrade
I had been using Android for years and was persuaded through a rep to try the IPhone 11. The phone seemed a good choice until I updated. I’m not certain if I regret more the switch to IPhone or the update. I definitely will no longer travel up the Apple I scale as the only recommendation from the store is to go higher
I have the iPhone 12 promax. Nothing but problems. Phone calls drop, hear every other word when speaking to someone, have taken phone in for repairs but still does not work right.
Battery is also bad. Phone freezes slot.