A San Mateo, Calif. County judge approved the settlement of a previously announced class-action lawsuit that provides owners of older iPods in the United States with some measure of relief if they’re having problems related to battery charge capacity.
The suit alleged that Apple misrepresented the capabilities of the iPod’s rechargeable battery. Plaintiffs claimed that the iPod did not have the battery life Apple said it did, and that the battery’s capacity to hold a charge diminished substantially over time. Apple never admitted any wrongdoing, but did agree to the terms of the settlement, which was first announced this past June.
The settlement covers first, second and third-generation iPod owners who bought their devices before May 31, 2004. First and second-generation iPod users can submit a claim to have their battery replaced or can get a $50 credit for use at the Apple Store. Third-generation iPod owners get a one-year extension to their warranty, and Apple will pay them back up to 50 percent for the repair cost if they’ve already had the iPod’s battery replaced.
The claim deadline for the settlement is September 30, 2005 or two years after the original purchase date of the iPod, whichever is later. You can find more information at the iPod settlement Web site.