Maldonado v. Apple Inc.: A Refurbished Saga with a $48.8 Million Resolution
In 2017, iPhone and iPad owners enrolled in AppleCare+ who received replacement devices under the warranty found themselves embroiled in a class action lawsuit against Apple. The primary allegation? Apple allegedly breached its contract and warranty promises by providing refurbished, instead of “new or equivalent to new,” replacements.
Three pivotal dates mark the case’s journey:
September 16, 2019: The District Court certifies the case as a class action, recognizing the widespread nature of the alleged practice.
September 30, 2021: After a series of legal negotiations, Apple and the plaintiffs reach a settlement agreement. This agreement stipulates compensation for eligible class members who received refurbished devices under AppleCare+.
August 15, 2023: Recognizing the substantial effort of the legal team, the Court approves a $48.8 million attorney fee award.
The Current Landscape (January 18, 2024):
- Claim Deadline Closed: As of December 2023, eligible class members had until this date to submit their claims for compensation and verify their information. No further submissions are accepted.
- Beware the “Replacement Device Lawsuit Check Scam”: Fraudsters are now exploiting the settlement, targeting class members with unsolicited calls, emails, and letters promising additional refunds in exchange for personal information. Remember, legitimate entities involved in the settlement will not contact you out of the blue for further payments.
- Verification Process: If you received a payment but believe it’s incorrect, contact the claims administrator at 1-888-506-5974 or visit https://www.replacementdevicelawsuit.com/: https://www.replacementdevicelawsuit.com/.
- Report Scams: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by the “Replacement Device Lawsuit Check Scam,” report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-09-16 | Maldonado v. Apple Inc. | No. 3:17-cv-04947-EMC (N.D. Cal.) | United States District Court for the Northern District of California | Class action lawsuit alleging Apple replaced iPhones and iPads under AppleCare+ with refurbished devices instead of “new or equivalent to new” devices. |
| 2021-09-30 | Maldonado v. Apple Inc. | Class Action Settlement Agreement | United States District Court for the Northern District of California | Settlement reached, awarding compensation to eligible class members who received refurbs under AppleCare+. |
| 2023-08-15 | Maldonado v. Apple Inc. | Order Granting Attorneys’ Fees | United States District Court for the Northern District of California | Court approves $48.8 million attorneys’ fees for lawyers who obtained settlement for class members. |
| 2023-12-20 | Maldonado v. Apple Inc. | Claim Submission Deadline Passed | N/A | Deadline to submit claims for settlement payments and verify information closed. |
| 2024-01-18 (Present) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Scam Alert: Fraudsters targeting class members with “replacement device lawsuit check scam,” requesting personal information in exchange for fake refunds. |
This case highlights the importance of consumer vigilance and the legal mechanisms available to hold corporations accountable for alleged misleading practices. While the settlement marks a resolution for this saga, the lesson remains – be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information, especially surrounding legal matters, and verify any claims with official sources.
