Apple iPhone

If you owned an older model iPhone you could be entitled to compensation

Apple accused in £499m legal claim of failing to respond fairly and transparently to iPhone battery problems and using software updates that reduced performance.

Apple faces a £499 million consumer legal claim over allegations that it failed to respond fairly and transparently to battery problems that caused some iPhones to shut down unexpectedly, and released iOS software updates containing a performance management feature that reduced performance.

If you owned one of the seven affected models – including iPhone 6, SE and 7 models – then you could be eligible for compensation, although the eligibility rules have now been narrowed by the Tribunal. Sign up to Consumer Voice to stay updated.

Apple in battery ‘throttling’ claim

Apple is accused of selling iPhones with battery problems that meant they could shut down unexpectedly under certain circumstances.

The claim alleges that instead of giving customers a prompt and transparent explanation of these problems, Apple released iOS updates that contained a ‘throttling’ function to manage battery performance. This slowed down the performance of older iPhones to stop them shutting down without warning.

The claim alleges Apple did not adequately tell customers about the existence, reasons for or impact of this performance management feature.

Could your iPhone be covered?  

Around 26.6 million iPhones are estimated to be affected by the claim. Following a Tribunal ruling in March 2026, the eligibility criteria have been narrowed.

For iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus and SE, you must have acquired and used the phone before 23 January 2017. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, you must have acquired and used it before 2 December 2017.

You must also have used the affected iPhone with the relevant iOS update during the claim period, which runs to 28 March 2018.

The affected models are:

  • iPhone 6
  • iPhone 6 Plus
  • iPhone 6S
  • iPhone 6S Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus

The claim against Apple

Justin Gutmann, a consumer rights campaigner, launched the claim against Apple alleging it breached UK competition law by abusing its dominant market position. The claim is now seeking around £499 million in compensation before interest for eligible class members.

The claim states that Apple applied exploitative and unfair practices that weren’t in the interests of its customers. Gutmann has instructed the law firm Charles Lyndon to represent him in the claim. The claim is being funded by Balance Legal Capital LLP. 

How to claim compensation

If you meet the eligibility criteria and were resident in the UK on 12 March 2024, you were automatically included in the claim unless you opted out. The deadline for opting out – or opting in for those who needed to – passed on 7 June 2025.

You do not need to do anything at this stage. If compensation is secured, eligible class members will need to come forward to claim their share. Sign up to Consumer Voice to stay updated.

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We will keep you updated on the latest developments in the Apple iPhone claim and other group consumer claims.

What’s happening with this claim?


Gutmann filed the claim with the Competition Appeal Tribunal in June 2022. A certification hearing was held in September 2023 and the Tribunal ruled in November 2023 that the claim could proceed. Revised funding arrangements were approved by the Tribunal in March 2024, and a Collective Proceedings Order was made in January 2025.
In March 2026, Apple tried to have the claim dismissed before trial. The Class Representative successfully defended the application and the claim is continuing, although the Tribunal narrowed both the iPhones covered and the period during which Apple’s conduct is alleged to have broken competition law.
The Collective Proceedings Order was amended on 1 June 2026 to reflect those changes. A further Case Management Conference is listed for 7 October 2026, when the Tribunal is expected to give directions on disclosure and the timetable towards trial.

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