The iPhone “Batterygate” settlement remains one of the most talked-about consumer cases of the past decade. Millions of iPhone owners — including many Canadians — learned that their devices were being slowed down automatically by software, leading to frustration, battery complaints and, in some cases, upgrades people didn’t actually need.
Settlements on both sides of the border have since compensated eligible users. Here is what happened, what the Canadian settlement covered, what the payouts looked like, and what to watch for now that the case keeps resurfacing in scam messages.
What is the iPhone “Batterygate” case?
“Batterygate” refers to the controversy over Apple’s handling of older iPhone models. In December 2017, Apple confirmed that iOS updates were reducing peak performance on devices with aging batteries to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Apple’s explanation was that this protected the hardware. The problem was disclosure: users were never clearly told the throttling existed. Many believed their phones were simply wearing out and bought new devices — when a roughly $35 battery replacement would have restored full speed.
Lawsuits followed around the world, including in the United States and Canada, arguing users deserved clearer information and more control. Apple denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle rather than fight the claims for years more.
The settlements: United States vs Canada
| United States | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement fund | Up to US$500 million | Up to CA$14.4 million |
| Court approval | Finalized after appeals; payouts began January 2024 | Approved by the B.C. Supreme Court in 2024 |
| Per-person payout | About US$92 per approved claim | Roughly $17–$150 per eligible device, depending on claims volume |
| Covered models | iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, SE (1st gen) | Same model range |
| Key condition | Ran affected iOS versions before Dec 21, 2017 | Owned/used the device in Canada during the covered window |
Who qualified in Canada
The Canadian settlement covered residents who owned one of the affected models and experienced the performance throttling introduced through iOS updates. The affected models were:
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (first generation)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Claimants attested to ownership through the official claims process; serial numbers or Apple ID records were used to verify devices where receipts no longer existed.
Where things stand now
The claim windows for both the U.S. and Canadian Batterygate settlements have closed, and distributions have been processed through the official administrators. If you filed a valid claim, payment arrives by the method you selected — typically direct deposit or cheque.
If you missed the window, there is unfortunately no late-filing mechanism — which is exactly why we track open claim deadlines like the Silk and Great Value recall settlement (deadline October 16, 2026) before they close.
Why this case still matters
Batterygate changed how Apple operates. The company added the Battery Health menu to iOS, began disclosing performance management openly, and temporarily discounted battery replacements. It also set a precedent: software behaviour that affects device performance is a consumer-protection issue, not just a technical one.
For consumers, the lesson is practical. Before replacing a slowing phone, check Settings → Battery → Battery Health. A degraded battery — not the phone itself — is often the culprit, and a replacement costs a fraction of a new device.
Be careful: closed settlements still attract scams
Because “Apple settlement” headlines resurface regularly, scammers keep recycling them. If you receive a text or email today claiming you can still claim Batterygate money, it is fraudulent — the claims process is over.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Messages with urgent deadlines for a settlement that already closed
- Requests for banking details, passwords or your SIN
- Suspicious or shortened links
- Any “processing fee” to release your money — real settlements never charge
Our step-by-step guide on how to check whether a Canadian settlement is real or fake walks through the exact verification process.
Final thoughts
Batterygate showed that even the world’s biggest companies answer to consumers when transparency fails. The payouts were modest — under $100 for most people — but the accountability and the product changes that followed were the real outcome.
For settlements you can still claim in 2026, along with the frauds imitating them, see our roundup of top settlement scams in Canada and how to stay safe.
Tyler Bernick is a content writer covering Canadian settlement updates, scam alerts, and consumer rights. He aims to simplify complex legal topics and provide clear, reliable information to help Canadians make informed decisions.