Apple Starts Sending 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments to iPhone Users

[reggavegga]

I received 2 checks today for the 92.17 each.. the first check I got a while back was for 30 bucks and it had my wife’s name on it .. I guess I applied for her also…

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Damn how are ya’ll getting these? I should have got 4 and haven’t got a dime.

If you joined the settlement email sent in 2020 and gave your information you should get a check for each device that qualified.. If you opted to receive a check in the mail and have moved or moved several times it may in limbo

 

[cjake]

So...$500 million settlement, but only $300 million to the plaintiffs? $200 million for the lawyers?

From a 2020 article in The Verge...

By default, Apple will offer $25 to any current or former owner of a covered iPhone. Named class members will receive $1,500 or $3,500, and around $90 million will go toward attorneys. The settlement has a minimum payout of $310 million, so the payment might increase if few people file claims. Conversely, if payments exceed the $500 million cap, each iPhone owner will receive less money.

The fact that we are getting more than the original $25 estimate indicates to me that larger payouts were needed to reach the minimum $310 million.

So there must have been many eligible iPhone owners that never bothered to join the suit.

 

[minik]

Received five checks in the mail this evening with $92.17 each.

 

[AndrewR23]

Weird. Still haven't received anything. I sent in my serial numbers, everything and had 3 phones during the time period. Hope I get something

 

[harriska2]

I’m getting 3 letters from Apple today. I‘m pretty sure I did not sign up for the lawsuit (I usually don’t because they don’t give out more than a few dollars). I had 3 iPhone SEs that were absolute pieces of junk. HORRIBLE. Slow. Bad batteries. Put me off Apple a bit. I’m curious what‘s in the mail (I get photos of my mail from USPS emailed to me).

 

[mcamm]

Has anyone been able to decode why some people got checks for $92.17 and others got checks for $46.07? Are the $92 checks for iPhone 6s and the $46 check for iPhone 6?

 

[joeblough]

Has anyone been able to decode why some people got checks for $92.17 and others got checks for $46.07? Are the $92 checks for iPhone 6s and the $46 check for iPhone 6?

no, there are a few of us in the thread and i don't see anyone with answers.

i did try to call the number and i also sent an email to the administrators asking for clarification. the phone number is an endless phone tree with recordings, no humans. no response to my email either.

 

[mcamm]

no, there are a few of us in the thread and i don't see anyone with answers.

i did try to call the number and i also sent an email to the administrators asking for clarification. the phone number is an endless phone tree with recordings, no humans. no response to my email either.

I did the same. No response. I got 4 checks. 2 for the $92 and two for $46. I cant remember if all my phones were 6s or some of them were 6. Unfortunately the confirmation email I got when I submitted does not show the whole serial number of the phone so I cant check. I have searched my emails but do not have record of what phones I bought back then. Hopefully someone else will be able to chime in and help decode this!

 

[joeblough]

I did the same. No response. I got 4 checks. 2 for the $92 and two for $46. I cant remember if all my phones were 6s or some of them were 6. Unfortunately the confirmation email I got when I submitted does not show the whole serial number of the phone so I cant check. I have searched my emails but do not have record of what phones I bought back then. Hopefully someone else will be able to chime in and help decode this!

so my mother-in-law got a $46 check today, and she definitely didn't file a claim on her own. i don't remember filing a claim for her. i'm going to go check her email to see if she (or i) somehow did file a claim. but i wonder if they are sending the $46 check to class members that never filed a claim. the problem with that theory is that i did file 3 claims for my immediate family members and only got $46 each. but maybe there's something there.

 

[minik]

I’m getting 3 letters from Apple today. I‘m pretty sure I did not sign up for the lawsuit (I usually don’t because they don’t give out more than a few dollars). I had 3 iPhone SEs that were absolute pieces of junk. HORRIBLE. Slow. Bad batteries. Put me off Apple a bit. I’m curious what‘s in the mail (I get photos of my mail from USPS emailed to me).

I happen to have the original SE in my drawer at work and ran the iOS 15.8.1 update yesterday. My daily driver is the 15 Pro. While holding and playing with the SE, I was thinking this will be an awesome Apple Music player.

 

[bookemdano]

I did the same. No response. I got 4 checks. 2 for the $92 and two for $46. I cant remember if all my phones were 6s or some of them were 6. Unfortunately the confirmation email I got when I submitted does not show the whole serial number of the phone so I cant check. I have searched my emails but do not have record of what phones I bought back then. Hopefully someone else will be able to chime in and help decode this!

The confirmation email you got should state the model of phone for that particular claim. It's the "Device Type" line right above the signature line.

Count me in as one who also received a $46.08 check and a $46.09 check in addition to several $92.17 checks. Both were for an iPhone 6 per my confirmation emails. But one of the $92.17 checks I got was also for an iPhone 6. So I don't think the $46 payout has any correlation to iPhone model.

I only skimmed the thread so I might be wrong but I didn't see anyone who got their payment via ACH report any amount other than $92.17. The $46.08/$46.09 amounts have only come by paper check--so that makes me think that this was a glitch, and so maybe they still owe us the other half for those claims.

Well just found this person who posted on 1/8 about getting $46.08. Didn't say whether it was ACH or check but I'm not sure that anyone received a check that early, so it probably was ACH.

Anyway, I'm sure eventually we'll get to the bottom of this.

Edit: This post on reddit says that if multiple claims for the same serial number were received then the $92.17 gets split for each claim. So in the case of two claims with the same serial number, one would receive $46.09 and the other would receive $46.08 (for a total of $92.17). If there were three claims for a given serial number then two claims get $30.72 and one gets $30.73 (I guess).

In my case I can't confirm that because the SNs are partially obfuscated in the confirmation email, but I will say that the first 5 digits (which is all they show) are identical for the two claims of mine that got the $46 checks. So maybe I accidentally submitted two claims for the same SN. That said, lots of serial numbers start with the same 5 digits.

For those who only received one $46 or $30 check, perhaps a second or third claim could have come from a second owner (assuming the phone was sold or traded in) or even a scammer who guessed or searched for serial numbers on the web or something. IIRC, the claim form did not require proof of purchase (or at least not one that included the SN of the purchased device).

So maybe that is the explanation--it certainly makes some sense.

 

[joeblough]

Edit: This post on reddit says that if multiple claims for the same serial number were received then the $92.17 gets split for each claim. So in the case of two claims with the same serial number, one would receive $46.09 and the other would receive $46.08 (for a total of $92.17). If there were three claims for a given serial number then two claims get $30.72 and one gets $30.73 (I guess).

In my case I can't confirm that because the SNs are partially obfuscated in the confirmation email, but I will say that the first 5 digits (which is all they show) are identical for the two claims of mine that got the $46 checks. So maybe I accidentally submitted two claims for the same SN. That said, lots of serial numbers start with the same 5 digits.

For those who only received one $46 or $30 check, perhaps a second or third claim could have come from a second owner (assuming the phone was sold or traded in) or even a scammer who guessed or searched for serial numbers on the web or something. IIRC, the claim form did not require proof of purchase (or at least not one that included the SN of the purchased device).

So maybe that is the explanation--it certainly makes some sense.

that is really interesting. it's been so long that i don't even remember what i did with my family's iphone 6 devices. if i traded them in then perhaps someone else eventually had them and submitted claims. i'll have to check the junk drawers to see if i'm still in posession of them.

or, maybe i just screwed up and entered the same serial number multiple times. i don't actually even remember having to come up with serial numbers for the devices i claimed, so i guess it's possible i "cheated." the only problem with that theory is that i've got 3 checks for $46, made 3 claims, and so it should either be 1 $92 and 2 $46, or 3 $30s if i had duplicated serial numbers on my own.

 

[bookemdano]

that is really interesting. it's been so long that i don't even remember what i did with my family's iphone 6 devices. if i traded them in then perhaps someone else eventually had them and submitted claims. i'll have to check the junk drawers to see if i'm still in posession of them.

or, maybe i just screwed up and entered the same serial number multiple times. i don't actually even remember having to come up with serial numbers for the devices i claimed, so i guess it's possible i "cheated." the only problem with that theory is that i've got 3 checks for $46, made 3 claims, and so it should either be 1 $92 and 2 $46, or 3 $30s if i had duplicated serial numbers on my own.

Yeah, would be interesting if you are still in possession of any of the 3 phones you submitted claims for. Do you have the confirmation emails for them? If so, you can at least see the first 5 digits of the SN for each claim. Are any of those the same first 5 digits or are all three different?

If all three are different then you definitely didn't submit duplicate claims. And if you're still in possession of those three phones then that also rules out a second-hand owner filing a claim for them. The only explanations left would be a scammer filing a fraudulent claims for those SNs or an error on the part of the claim administrator.

 

[August West]

Got my check yesterday for my 6s Plus. I hadn't really paid any attention to the lawsuit so it was a nice surprise I wasn't expecting. Honestly, I don't even remember submitting a claim. Especially nice since I never noticed the throttling when I was using the phone. Still have that phone I hang onto for an emergency backup.

 

[mcamm]

Thanks to everyone who responded above to point out that the model number submitted was indicated below the signature line and multiple submission of the same serial number would split the payout. I was able to confirm that I submitted 4 times. The two checks I got for $92.17 were for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. The other two checks were for iPhone 6s - $46.09 and $46.08 which I mistakenly submitted the same serial number twice. Unfortunately I missed submitting the serial number for my 4th phone, which is my mistake. I guess it's too late to submit that one, oh well. However, mystery solved!

 

[rockitdog]

So it turns out that being a phone flip flopper has its benefits. I got 14 checks in the mail yesterday, all of the for $92.17 😂😂

 

[jent]

Yesterday I received checks in the mail for $92.17, dated January 5th, 2024. Curiously, I moved two years ago and somehow the checks are addressed to me correctly at my current address (and I only paid for 18 months worth of USPS mail forwarding).

 

[joeblough]

Yeah, would be interesting if you are still in possession of any of the 3 phones you submitted claims for. Do you have the confirmation emails for them? If so, you can at least see the first 5 digits of the SN for each claim. Are any of those the same first 5 digits or are all three different?

If all three are different then you definitely didn't submit duplicate claims. And if you're still in possession of those three phones then that also rules out a second-hand owner filing a claim for them. The only explanations left would be a scammer filing a fraudulent claims for those SNs or an error on the part of the claim administrator.

in the email, 2 of them start with the same numbers, and the 3rd stars with a different number.

i found 2 of the phones in my closet; trying to boot them to check the serial numbers. not sure where the third got to.

i guess i must be the victim of a scam since in theory no other legitimate person could have made claims on 2 of the phones.

or, i suppose the actual scammers could be the settlement administrators, randomly doing this to hold the money back for themselves.

edit: LOL, the 2 phones i found belonged to my in-laws... so i can at least see which one they got a check for, assuming i can find the submission emails. still gotta find my other 3 phones.

 

[bookemdano]

in the email, 2 of them start with the same numbers, and the 3rd stars with a different number.

i found 2 of the phones in my closet; trying to boot them to check the serial numbers. not sure where the third got to.

i guess i must be the victim of a scam since in theory no other legitimate person could have made claims on 2 of the phones.

or, i suppose the actual scammers could be the settlement administrators, randomly doing this to hold the money back for themselves.

You could always email the claims administrator (Questions@SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com) and let them know that you only received half payment for a device that you purchased new and still have your possession. Maybe they have some funds in reserve and would send you the other half.

Nothing to lose by trying.

 

[joeblough]

You could always email the claims administrator (Questions@SmartphonePerformanceSettlement.com) and let them know that you only received half payment for a device that you purchased new and still have your possession. Maybe they have some funds in reserve and would send you the other half.

Nothing to lose by trying.

true, but i've already emailed them (and called) to try to understand the check amounts, with no response. i don't think there's anyone manning the helm over there anymore.

and as it turns out, per my edit above, the phones i found were not the ones that generated my own checks. but later im going to go look at my MIL's email and see if i can find the claim and check the amount (i think she also got the $46 check, and since it's in my possession, there must be scamming afoot.)

 

[joeblough]

well after having found most of our iphone6 devices laying around, i think what might have happened to me is that i accidentally used the same serial number on at least 2 claims. after looking at 4 different iphone6, none of them have serial numbers that are the same in the first 5 digits, but i've got 2 claim emails with the same leading 5 digits.

unfortunately i just can't find the email for my MIL's phone so i have no way to know what serial number was claimed on that one. if i happened to use the same one as the 3rd email i have, then that explains everything.

since most of the phones were found, i don't think i traded any in. so if any of these $46 checks were not my fault, they had to be the result of fraud.

oh well, it is what it is. going to stop worrying about it.

 

[harriska2]

I happen to have the original SE in my drawer at work and ran the iOS 15.8.1 update yesterday. My daily driver is the 15 Pro. While holding and playing with the SE, I was thinking this will be an awesome Apple Music player.

I spent $900 on 3 USED SEs. I got $276 from Apple. Those things used to not connect to anything (cell tower/wifi) and just reboot on me (all 3). We replaced batteries and they were still glitchy. We upgraded to iphone 12, 12 mini, and 13 mini. And those have been *much* better.

 

[edhchoe]

I received $46.08. Why do some get $92 and others get $46?

Serial Number: FK1QN*****
Payment Method: Mailed Check
Device and iOS Version: iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE - iOS 10.2.1 or later
I experienced diminished performance on my iPhone: Yes
I declare under penalty of perjury that the information above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.: Yes
Device Type: IPHONE 6S

 

[edhchoe]

The confirmation email you got should state the model of phone for that particular claim. It's the "Device Type" line right above the signature line.

Count me in as one who also received a $46.08 check and a $46.09 check in addition to several $92.17 checks. Both were for an iPhone 6 per my confirmation emails. But one of the $92.17 checks I got was also for an iPhone 6. So I don't think the $46 payout has any correlation to iPhone model.

I only skimmed the thread so I might be wrong but I didn't see anyone who got their payment via ACH report any amount other than $92.17. The $46.08/$46.09 amounts have only come by paper check--so that makes me think that this was a glitch, and so maybe they still owe us the other half for those claims.

Well just found this person who posted on 1/8 about getting $46.08. Didn't say whether it was ACH or check but I'm not sure that anyone received a check that early, so it probably was ACH.

Anyway, I'm sure eventually we'll get to the bottom of this.

Edit: This post on reddit says that if multiple claims for the same serial number were received then the $92.17 gets split for each claim. So in the case of two claims with the same serial number, one would receive $46.09 and the other would receive $46.08 (for a total of $92.17). If there were three claims for a given serial number then two claims get $30.72 and one gets $30.73 (I guess).

In my case I can't confirm that because the SNs are partially obfuscated in the confirmation email, but I will say that the first 5 digits (which is all they show) are identical for the two claims of mine that got the $46 checks. So maybe I accidentally submitted two claims for the same SN. That said, lots of serial numbers start with the same 5 digits.

For those who only received one $46 or $30 check, perhaps a second or third claim could have come from a second owner (assuming the phone was sold or traded in) or even a scammer who guessed or searched for serial numbers on the web or something. IIRC, the claim form did not require proof of purchase (or at least not one that included the SN of the purchased device).

So maybe that is the explanation--it certainly makes some sense.

so I guess the buyer of my used iphone made a claim also and split the check with me...