Apple has agreed to pay $20 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 over battery swelling on the first four Apple Watch models. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleged that the problem affected the original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.

Battery swelling, a phenomenon where a buildup of heat and gas inside the lithium-ion battery causes its walls to expand, can damage or break other components in the device as it grows within the tightly-packed space. Despite the settlement, Apple continues to deny any wrongdoing, stating that it only paid to avoid future legal fees from a suit that stretched on for more than five years.

In a statement sent to TechCrunch, Apple emphasized that the Apple Watch is designed to be safe and reliable, and that the settlement applies to purchasers of the early generation Apple Watch models, which are no longer available for purchase. The company strongly disagrees with the claims made against these models, but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.

To qualify for payout, users need to have alerted Apple customer service to the issue between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024. Eligible parties must reside in the U.S. and will receive notification via postcard or email. Compensation is based on how many complaints the impacted party filed during the above window, with class payments ranging from $20 to $50. Watch owners must further submit payment information to the lawsuit's official site before April 10, 2025, to receive payment.

The settlement comes a week after Google-owned Fitbit was required to pay a $12.25 million penalty due to battery overheating on its Ionic smartwatch. This recent string of settlements highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of wearable devices, which have become an integral part of many people's daily lives.

The implications of this settlement are significant, as it may prompt other tech companies to re-examine their quality control processes to avoid similar issues. Furthermore, it may lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies and consumers, who expect their devices to be safe and reliable. As the wearable technology market continues to grow, it is essential for companies to prioritize the safety and satisfaction of their customers.

In conclusion, Apple's $20 million settlement over battery swelling on the first four Apple Watch models serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and reliability in the development of wearable devices. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the settlement is a significant acknowledgment of the issue and a step towards ensuring that customers receive the quality products they expect.