30 October 2024. Tycko & Zavareei LLP (TZ) and co-counsel have achieved a significant victory for consumers across the United States following the final approval of a $35 million settlement in the Apple iPhone 7 Audio Defect class action case. This settlement was approved by Judge Jon S. Tigar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on October 30, 2024.
Represented by class counsel Andrea R. Gold, Hassan A. Zavareei, and Allison W. Parr of TZ and Gregory F. Coleman, Adam A. Edwards, and William A. Ladnier of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, plaintiffs in this case brought claims against Apple Inc. for an alleged audio defect in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models. The alleged defect significantly affected the functionality of the devices’ audio systems, making it hard for users to conduct telephone calls and use other key features of the mobile phones.
Through four years of extensive litigation and discovery, class counsel overcame numerous challenges. “We are very pleased with Judge Tigar’s well-reasoned final approval order, which concludes years of contentious litigation and provides significant compensation to iPhone 7 owners across the nation.” said Andrea R. Gold, co-Class Counsel.
The settlement establishes a $35 million fund to compensate class members, defined as U.S. residents who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and reported audio-related issues to Apple. Class members who paid out-of-pocket expenses for repairs related to these issues may receive cash payments ranging from $50 to $349, while those who reported issues but did not incur repair costs may receive up to $200.
Judge Jon S. Tigar praised the efforts of the Class Counsel, noting, “Counsel achieved a very good result for the Class; they took on substantial risk in bringing the case, which they brought on contingency; and the case has been pending for over five years.”
This settlement underscores TZ’s commitment to advocating for consumers and holding corporations accountable for product defects. The TZ team for this case included Managing Partner Andrea Gold, Associates Jaclyn S. Tayabji and Allison Parr, and Of Counsel David W. Lawler, supported by paralegal Linda Zhu.
The case is Lisa Tabak, et al. v. Apple, Inc., No. 19-cv-02455-JST in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.