Talking Tech: Some iPhone owners might get refund over slower devices
Another Thursday has arrived. Summer is almost over, and the first sign of fall has appeared: pumpkin spice. It's Brett Molina, noted fan of the fall season, back again with your weekly dose of tech news.
Big news for some iPhone owners: you may be owed money.
Apple has agreed to pay a class-action settlement of up to $500 million after the tech giant was accused of deliberately slowing down battery performance when it rolled out a new iOS update. A variety of lawsuits claimed Apple did this to generate sales of newer iPhones.
In 2017, Apple ended up apologizing and offering a big discount on replacement batteries for iPhones.
If you didn't file a claim by the October 2020 deadline, then you're out of luck. Consumers who filed and owned one of the following iPhones is eligible for money back:
- iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S Plus and/or SE device that ran iOS 10.2.1 or later before Dec. 21, 2017
- iPhone 7 or 7Plus that ran iOS 11.2 or later before Dec. 21, 2017
What else happened in tech?
Hate thriving on social media: Platforms pushing antisemitic recommendations, study finds
YouTube crackdown: Video service to remove content promoting harmful, ineffective cancer treatments
Today in texting acronyms: What does 'OOO' mean?
Thursday tech tip
The wildfires in Maui serve as another reminder to make sure we're prepared in the event of a natural disaster, whether it's wildfires, floods or tornadoes. This technology can help protect your home in case of a natural disaster.
One more thing
Before Facebook, TikTok and Instagram took over our social media lives, there were apps like MySpace, Friendster and Vine. If you're longing for the era of AIM and Friendster, this is for you.
Thanks for reading! Until next Thursday.