Apple to pay $9.75 million to settle over Powerbeats 2 design defect

Apple marketed the Powerbeats 2 headphones as sweat and water-resistant and ones that have been built to endure. However, customers claimed that was not the case.

Although the original lawsuit filing claims that Apple’s 2016 Powerbeats 3 headphones were also defective, the settlement only mentions the Powerbeats 2, which were first released back in 2014.  (Apple)

Apple has agreed to settle the dispute over the design flaw that was plaguing the Powerbeats 2 headphones. The settlement is going to be handled out of court. 

According to reports, while the company did not admit that there was an issue with the design of the 2014 Powerbeats 2, they have said it is easier, and cheaper, to settle out of court. Apple has agreed to pay $9.75 million to settle this issue.

Apple marketed the Powerbeats 2 headphones as sweat and water-resistant and ones that have been built to endure. However, customers claimed that was not the case and that the earphones would stop holding a charge after minimal use. The lawsuit accusing Apple of falsely advertising these wearables also called the earphones ‘shoddy'. 

Although the original lawsuit filing claims that Apple's 2016 Powerbeats 3 headphones were also defective, the settlement only mentions the Powerbeats 2, which were first released back in 2014, says The Verge. 

So if you are one of the users who bought the Powerbeats 2 before August 7 and you live in the US, you can receive up to $189 as compensation. For that, you need to fill up this form on the lawsuit's website by November 20. 

However, let us warn you that the amount you receive will depend on a whole bunch of factors including a proof of purchase and whether the device has gone through warranty repair, says GSMArena.

And you will still need to wait for the final hearing that is scheduled for January 15, 2021. That's when the court is going to decide if the $9.75 million that Apple is offering is enough or not.