The deadline for California citizens who bought an iPhone 4, 4s or 5 with a defective sleep/wake power button to cash in is coming up.
A class action lawsuit against Apple was filed in 2013. It alleged that Apple knowingly sold iPhones with “defective” power buttons and then failed to properly remedy the issue. A settlement reached with Apple means that people who bought one of these devices can complete a form to receive “up to $24” for their troubles.
The class of individuals able to claim include California residents who purchased one or more iPhone 4 or 4s handsets from Apple or a third-party retailer, from June 24, 2010 through October 10, 2011 for the iPhone 4; from October 11, 2011 through September 20, 2012 for the iPhone 4s; and through April 1, 2013 for the iPhone 5.
Their handset’s sleep/wake (power) button must have stopped working, or worked only intermittently, during a three year period from the date of purchase.
Apple did offer a free repair program for the “small percentage” of iPhone 5 models with power button issues in April 2014. However, the lawsuit alleges that this program went “unnoticed.”
Settling the class action lawsuit
Apple has established a $20 million pot to cover the case. After deducting court-approved attorney fees and expenses, service awards, and other costs, the remaining settlement fund will then be split between class members. An exact amount hasn’t yet been calculated, but it will be a maximum of $24.
To claim this, you must complete and submit a claim form by March 23, 2020. Forms can be submitted online or printed and mailed to the address listed. You can also get a claim form by calling 1-855-336-4060.
This is the second big class action lawsuit which affected the iPhone 4. The most famous is the “Antennagate” controversy, which ended with class action members getting a $15 payout.
