Attorney General Jeff Landry, along with over 30 other state attorneys general, announced a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. regarding Apple's 2016 decision to throttle consumers’ iPhone speeds in order to address unexpected shutdowns in some iPhones.
Based on their multistate investigation, AG Landry and his colleagues allege that Apple discovered that battery issues were leading to unexpected shutdowns in iPhones. Rather than disclosing these issues or replacing batteries, however, Apple concealed the issues from consumers. Apple’s concealment ultimately led to a software update in December 2016 that reduced iPhone performance in an effort to keep the phones from unexpectedly shutting down.
Landry and his fellow attorneys general allege that Apple’s concealment of the battery issues and decision to throttle the performance of consumers’ iPhones led to Apple profiting from selling additional iPhones to consumers whose phone performance Apple had slowed.
“Now, more than ever, it is important to hold Big Tech accountable for any and all questionable or dishonest business practices,” AG Landry said. “My office and I will continue fighting to protect Louisiana.”
Under the settlement, Apple will pay Louisiana $3,293,355.19; and Apple must give consumers truthful information about iPhone battery health, performance, and power management. Apple must provide this important info in various forms on its website, in update installation notes, and in the iPhone user interface itself.
Apple also recently entered into a proposed settlement of class action litigation related to the same conduct; and under that proposed settlement, Apple will pay out up to $500 million in consumer restitution. Consumers may find additional information on that at www.smartphoneperformancesettlement.com.