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 i have 3 iphones that are having these issues
I still have an IPhone 8+ (Paid off <6 months ago) and have seen an incredible decrease in the processing performance speed, the phones internal battery suddenly dropped below 65% “seek battery service messages”, and how often I must charge my phone. My husband still has working Samsung Note 3 (my kids use daily) along with all the other ANDROID phones. However, I don’t have a single IPhone that will even turn on. Apple is ripping all of us off! I know my current phone 8+ as well as the iPhone 6+ (I had 2 of those -insurance) has worked only 3-4 months following final payment of the actual phone. I almost switched to an Android after the IPhone 6+ battery draining issues, but I am so used to IOS’. It can’t be a coincidence that I finally pay the phone off, only to be forced to buy another. We’ve become accustomed to a certain amount of productivity due to the use of smartphones.
These are exactly the problems that I am having now and I am preventing the latest update on my iPhone 11 pro max. I’ve had slower performance I’ve had apps glitching I’ve had my calls cut off I have had phone calls that were not ringing daily spam every time/daily I have to reset my phone. Please add me.
I have a iPhone 8 but it slows down until I do the update and then they make it so I can’t even load apps while inside stores.
Add me
Yes, I too am having this issue with my iPhone 11. The battery is not holding the charge and slow internet and freeze. Add my name to the list
ADD ME TOO
Pls add me as well I have an I12 and And have been experiencing slow performance on my phone and the battery keeps charging low
My iPhone performance has significantly dropped:
– slow and buggy response when opening or using apps
– battery drain
– inaccurate GPS (navigation system suddenly has a hard time keeping up, despite high-speed LTE connection with full signal)
Please add me
Add me. My battery has been draining super fast. It used to last all day no problem. Now I have to charge it 2 or 3 times a day.
Add me please because I did notice when I did the updates my battery doesn’t hold charge like it use to at first
I’m glad I’m not the only one that started noticing this. I thought maybe it was where I was that their Wi-Fi but then I started with this supposed to be a really fancy found that supposed not be bogged down. And it’s especially worse now on my iPad also but mine is the iPad Pro and it’s jamming up. I was like do I got to go buy a new iPad. Now my iPhone 12 Pro it’s really sad. I’ve started noticing it to not going to Internet services right after the update we’re supposed to be 5G all this capability and this is happening sad.
Is this where I file my complaint on this website by filing is this post?