Thousands of iPhone users across Canada could soon receive compensation following a newly announced class-action settlement. If you owned certain iPhone models years ago, you might be eligible for a cash payout of up to $150 without having to go to court. The settlement centers around allegations that Apple intentionally slowed down older iPhones through software updates — a controversy often referred to as “batterygate.”
While Apple has denied wrongdoing, the tech giant has agreed to pay Canadian iPhone owners as part of a negotiated settlement that ends the legal proceedings. The claim is similar to the one Apple faced in the United States back in 2020, where they paid out an estimated $310 million to American iPhone users.
This latest development marks a critical moment for consumer rights and corporate transparency in Canada. If you ever owned an affected iPhone and lived in Canada during the relevant timeframe, you could be eligible to claim your part of a multimillion-dollar payout — but only if you apply before the deadline.
At a glance: iPhone settlement overview
| Settlement Total | Up to $14.4 million CAD |
| Eligible Devices | iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st Gen), 7, 7 Plus |
| Eligible Users | Canadian residents (excluding Québec), owned affected iPhones between Dec 2017 – June 2024 |
| Claim Deadline | Sept 2, 2024 (estimated) |
| Estimated Payout | Between $17.50–$150 per claimant |
| Claim Submission | Requires proof of device and serial number |
Why this settlement matters
The lawsuit took aim at Apple’s decision to include performance-management features in iOS updates that allegedly slowed older iPhones to prevent battery shutdowns. Plaintiff lawyers argued that consumers were misled, believing their iPhones had degraded prematurely, pushing many to upgrade their devices unnecessarily.
Apple acknowledged including power management features but denied it was intended to deliberately cause performance issues. Still, the firm has agreed to the settlement “to avoid prolonged litigation,” allowing it to turn the page without admitting liability. The Canadian settlement mirrors many of the key claims made in other jurisdictions, including court rulings in the United States.
“This case shows that large companies are not above scrutiny and must be transparent when it comes to software updates that alter how devices perform.”
— Jane Roberts, Technology Lawyer
Who qualifies and why it matters
The settlement directly affects Canadian *iPhone users* who owned or leased affected devices in the years following 2017. Qualifying models include:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
If you were a Canadian resident (excluding residents of Québec, who are not covered in this national settlement) and had any of these devices between December 2017 and June 2024, you may be eligible. Claimants must provide some form of *proof of ownership*, ideally the device’s serial number or Apple ID tied to the phone during the eligibility window.
Québec is excluded due to its separate legal system and consumer protection rules, which often initiate a separate class action process. It is possible that a parallel suit may follow in the province.
“The real winners here are everyday users who now know they can challenge global tech firms using the class-action system.”
— Michael Grant, Legal Affairs Analyst
How to apply step-by-step
To submit your claim for the iPhone settlement, make sure to follow these steps before the application deadline (expected to close around September 2, 2024):
- Locate your iPhone’s serial number — If you still have the phone, go to Settings > General > About and note down the serial number. If not, check old iTunes backups or Apple receipts tied to your Apple ID.
- Visit the official claims site — You’ll be directed to a settlement portal where you must register your claim.
- Fill out your personal info — Input your name, address, and iPhone details including the serial number.
- Select payment mode — Indicate how you want to receive your settlement payment (via e-transfer, cheque, etc.).
- Submit before the deadline — Ensure all information is submitted completely before the posted deadline to qualify.
Only one claim per device can be submitted. If you owned multiple eligible devices, each can be claimed separately with valid documentation.
Who gets the highest payout?
Payout amounts will vary depending on the total number of valid claims submitted. The more users that apply, the lower the per-device payout is likely to be. The agreed settlement pool is capped at roughly $14.4 million CAD after legal fees, with a minimum payout expected to be around $17.50 and a maximum of $150 per person.
If fewer people file claims than anticipated, the smaller claimant pool means higher average payouts per person. Legal experts expect 100,000 to 200,000 Canadians may be eligible.
Winners and losers from the Apple iPhone litigation
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Canadian iPhone users who receive compensation | Apple’s brand image in Canada |
| Legal firms pursuing big tech transparency | Consumers who discarded old phones early due to slowdowns |
| User rights advocacy groups | Québec iPhone users excluded from this deal (for now) |
The broader impact on Apple and tech regulation
Apple will likely continue to face pressure from consumer protection groups, not just in Canada but across Europe and beyond. The “batterygate” situation has triggered debate about *planned obsolescence*, whereby companies are suspected of deliberately engineering products with a shorter usable life to boost repeat purchases.
This case also serves as a blueprint for how Canadian class actions against international corporations can eventually deliver meaningful results for consumers, even if it takes years of litigation. It will spark further scrutiny on how software affects device performance and whether companies are fully transparent with users.
“This is part of a wider global reckoning as consumers demand accountability from the digital giants that shape our digital lives.”
— Dr. Lena Morgan, Professor of Digital Society
Tracking your claim and next steps
Once your claim has been submitted, you should receive confirmation through email. Most claimants will be informed of their eligibility and approved claim by late 2024, according to estimates. Payouts will follow shortly — but only if the number of participants remains manageable and the court approves the final allocation.
In the meantime, users should retain any supporting documentation or screenshots of submission records, especially in case of a review or audit. Missing or inaccurate documentation could delay or disqualify a claim.
Short FAQs about the iPhone class action settlement
Which iPhone models are included in the Canadian settlement?
The settlement covers iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st gen), 7, and 7 Plus models used between 2017 and 2024.
How much money will I receive from the claim?
The estimated payout ranges from $17.50 to $150, depending on how many valid claims are submitted.
Is Québec included in this settlement?
No, residents of Québec are currently excluded. A separate legal process may be initiated in that province.
What if I don’t have the iPhone anymore?
You may still file a claim if you can provide proof of ownership, like a receipt, Apple ID history, or serial number.
What is the deadline to submit a claim?
The expected deadline is around September 2, 2024, but check the settlement website for the official date.
Do I need to go to court or attend a hearing?
No. This class-action settlement allows online submission. You do not need to appear in court.