Balance Legal Capital is financing collective proceedings on behalf of iPhone users in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal against Apple Inc. and its subsidiaries. The claim says Apple breached UK competition law through its exploitative and abusive behaviour in relation to the supply of iPhones and iOS updates.

It is alleged that in 2017, Apple made a secret decision to slow down the performance of older iPhones using a software battery management system to prevent the phones from shutting down without warning. The claim says Apple sought to disguise the overloaded batteries in 10 different models from iPhone 6 through to iPhone X to avoid costly product recall and repair. Expert analysis shows devices slowed by up to 58% after installation of the software update, meaning, in some cases, affected iPhones were as slow as models up to two generations older. iPhone owners that may be affected can register their interest here.

Balance Legal Capital is proud to support this case which demonstrates the role litigation funding can play in holding large corporates to account for conduct which harms consumers. Mr Justin Gutmann is the class representative and acts on behalf of all members of the proposed class in the proceeding. Mr Gutmann has instructed Charles Lyndon as solicitors. Anneli Howard QC leads the counsel team.

Please see coverage of the collective proceeding by The Guardian and the BBC.