Judge approves iPod battery settlement

Apple should have made customers aware of battery limitations on first three iPod models, a San Mateo County judge ruled Thursday. Because the company failed to do so, it must replace as many as 1.3 million iPod batteries belonging to owners of first, second, and third generation iPods. Under the settlement, which has now received final approval, those users who already paid Apple to replace their iPod's failing battery are entitled to up to half of that cost back. Steve Williams, lead counsel for the suit that people who bought iPod's first two models are entitled to either $25 cash or a $50 credit at the Apple Store. Owner of iPod's third model are entitled to free replacement battery if the battery fails. Consumers have up to May 2006 to file a claim to be entitled to the settlement. Based on the number of people continuing to make claims, the settlement has a minimum value of approximately $15 million.

Filed under: iPod