Awareness only · official claim below
What this claim is about
In 2017 it emerged that certain older iPhones had been slowed down by a software update. The claim, brought by consumer campaigner Justin Gutmann, argues that Apple knew the batteries in some models were faulty and — instead of recalling or openly fixing them — quietly released iOS updates that “throttled” the phones, deliberately slowing them to stop unexpected shutdowns. Customers, it says, weren’t told, and were left with slower phones or paid for repairs and replacements they shouldn’t have needed.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal certified the claim in 2023, and in March 2026 refused Apple’s attempt to throw it out — so it is heading toward a full trial. Nothing has been decided on the facts, and Apple denies wrongdoing, pointing to a public apology it issued in 2017.
This is an opt-out collective claim covering an estimated 23.8 million UK iPhone users. Eligible people are included automatically, and the deadline to opt out passed in June 2025 — there is nothing to sign and nothing to pay. Be wary of anyone asking for a fee or your details to “register” you for a claim you’re likely already part of. LegalClaimPro doesn’t collect your details here. Nothing here is legal or financial advice.
How this kind of claim works
Group claims take different forms. Here’s the shape of this one, in plain terms.
- Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT)
- A specialist court that hears large consumer claims about companies breaking competition law.
- “Throttling”
- Software deliberately slowing a phone’s performance. The claim says Apple did this to hide a battery fault rather than fixing it.
- Certified (a Collective Proceedings Order)
- The Tribunal has approved the claim to go ahead to trial on behalf of the whole group.
- Opt-out claim
- If you’re eligible you’re included automatically — you don’t sign up and you pay nothing. Following the official site just keeps you informed.
What the claim argues
A hidden battery problem
The claim says Apple knew some batteries in these iPhones were faulty but didn’t recall or openly fix them.
Slowed on purpose
It says Apple instead pushed out software updates that “throttled” — deliberately slowed — the phones to stop sudden shutdowns.
Not told, and out of pocket
It argues customers weren’t told, and were left with slower phones or paid for repairs and replacements they shouldn’t have needed.
These are allegations; Charles Lyndon, for class representative Justin Gutmann runs the claim, and the court has not ruled.
Who’s covered?
- You owned or used one of the affected iPhones in the UK — iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st generation), 7 or 7 Plus
- It doesn’t matter whether you bought it new or second-hand, or were given it — what counts is that it was used in the UK during the affected period
- It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible people are included automatically — nothing to sign, nothing to pay (the deadline to opt out passed in June 2025)
How it’s unfolded
- 2017 Apple confirms it slows some older iPhones through software updates, and apologises.
- June 2022 Justin Gutmann files the “batterygate” claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
- November 2023 The Tribunal certifies the claim to proceed on behalf of the group.
- June 2025 The deadline to opt out passes — eligible users are included automatically.
- March 2026 The Tribunal refuses Apple’s attempt to strike out the claim; it heads toward trial.
Common questions
Which iPhones are covered?
iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE (1st generation), 7 and 7 Plus, used in the UK during the affected period.
Do I need to sign up?
No. It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible UK users are included automatically, and the opt-out deadline passed in June 2025. You can follow the official site for updates.
Will I definitely get money?
No — nothing is decided. The claim is heading to trial, Apple denies the allegations, and any compensation would be decided later. Be wary of anyone promising a fixed sum.
Does it cost anything?
No. The claim is funded, so there’s nothing to pay and no fee taken from you. Be wary of anyone asking for money or your details to “register” you.
Who’s running it?
The claim is brought by Justin Gutmann with the law firm Charles Lyndon, funded by Balance Legal Capital. LegalClaimPro isn’t involved in running it — we’re raising awareness and we don’t collect your details here.
Join the official claim
This claim is run by Charles Lyndon, for class representative Justin Gutmann. LegalClaimPro is featuring it to raise awareness — we don’t run the claim and we don’t collect your details here. To take part, register on the official claim site, where you’ll see who’s behind it and their terms before you join.
The official site opens in a new tab. Always check who runs a claim and their terms before sharing your details.