Apple Settles $20 Million Lawsuit Over Early Apple Watch Battery Defects

The settlement compensates owners of first-generation through Series 3 Apple Watches for battery swelling issues that caused damage to devices.

Apple has agreed to a $20 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging battery defects in early Apple Watch models caused structural damage.
The affected models include the original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3; later models are not part of the lawsuit.
Eligible claimants can receive between $20 and $50 per affected device, with the exact amount depending on the number of claims submitted.
To qualify, users must have reported battery swelling issues to Apple between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024, and must confirm payment details by April 10, 2025.
Apple denies wrongdoing but has agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation; the company implemented design changes starting with the Series 4.