Apple Watch PFAS class action overview:
- Who: A group of consumers has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple Inc.
- Why: The plaintiffs claim certain Apple Watch bands contain toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) harmful to humans and the environment.
- Where: The Apple Watch class action was filed in California federal court.
A new class action lawsuit claims Apple falsely advertises its Apple Watch bands as safe and healthy despite containing toxic chemicals.
Plaintiffs Dominique Cavalier and Kiley Krzyzek filed the class action complaint against Apple Inc. on Jan. 21 in California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
The plaintiffs are seeking to represent a nationwide and California subclass of people who bought the Apple Watch Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band.
The lawsuit claims Apple advertises its Smart Watch as supportive of human health and wellness, environmentally sustainable and suitable for everyday use. However, the plaintiffs claim the bands contain excessive levels of toxic per- and polygluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are harmful to both humans and the environment.
Apple Watch falsely marketed as ‘ultimate device for a healthy life,’ class action says
The Apple Watch class action lawsuit claims that the Apple marketing campaign emphasized the health benefits of its products. It invited consumers to “live a healthier day” with its smartwatches, marketed as “the ultimate device for a healthy life,” the class action suit alleges.
The Plaintiffs argue that consumers, therefore, had a reasonable expectation that the products would be free from dangerous chemicals. However, the lawsuit alleges that, according to a recent study, Apple and other smartwatch bands contain excessive levels of PFAS that are absorbed through the skin during daily use.
The company profits from consumers who desire safe and sustainable smartwatches to track their health and who believe Apple’s promises of health, wellness and environmental sustainability, the lawsuit alleges.
The lawsuit claims that Apple could have avoided this safety hazard by using alternative materials such as silicone but chose not to, giving the company an unfair competitive advantage.
The Apple Watch PFAS class action lawsuit is suing for fraud, unjust enrichment and violations of California consumer laws. Plaintiffs are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
Early in January 2025, Apple agreed to pay $20 million to resolve claims that certain Apple Watch models were defective and prone to damaging battery swelling.
What do you think of the allegations made in this Apple Watch class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Ryan J. Clarkson, Yana Hart and Mark Richards of Clarkson Law Firm, P.C. and Benjamin F. Johns and Samantha E. Holbrook of Shub Johns & Holbrook LLP.
The Apple Watch PFAS class action is Dominique Cavalier, et al. v. Apple Inc., Case No. 5:25-cv-00713 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
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351 thoughts onApple class action alleges smartwatch bands contain toxic PFAS chemicals
Add me, I’m on my second Apple Watch because the screen of my first one came off as I was washing dishes, YET you’re supposed to be able to submerge it in water, and mine barely touched the water.
I have one of the bands mentioned.
Wow thought it was only me I changed my bands on my serious 6 as fast as I could because it was making me itch and swell and just would irritate me. When I switched it to a new band that was mesh the swelling went away.
I have a new Apple Watch last December 2024. I just find out about lawsuit. I prefer to be contacted by email
Yeah I work outside and I sweat a lot soo it’s kinda unsafe for me too wear at work when I didint kno the band had toxic chemicals
It has gotten to the point where I don’t wear it. I knew it had something to do with the rays in it. It will burn and itch. Wear it a few days and it looks like I never took it off. Cleaned it everyday and did not get better.
I really thought I was the only one and had super sensitive skin as I would wear it a few hours and the skin on my wrist would become irritated and red. It would itch and swell as if it was contact dermatitis bumpy.
I thought I was crazy… but I wore the Apple Watch and had a bump form on my wrist. I ended up taking it off and over several months the bump went away.