Source: https://vi.scribd.com/document/367829224/Nicole-Gallmann-vs-Apple-Class-Action-Regarding-Battery-Issue
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 19:51:06+00:00

Document:
As the saying goes, when it rains it pours. Apple has been hit with a fifth class action lawsuit over the slowing battery issue by Nicole Gallman who filed it in the Northern District Court of California on Friday.
1 (and/or later to iOS 11. and upon information and belief as to all other matters.0 – iOS 10. 6S. https://support.com/kb/DL1893? locale=en_US. Apple also failed to inform consumers that phone performance 9 would be restored – by as much as 70 percent – if affected individuals simply replaced the phone’s 10 lithium-ion battery. 16 3.2. Apple claimed to “bug fixes and improve[ ] the security of [the] 17 iPhone or iPad” and “improve[ ] power management during peak workloads to avoid unexpected 18 shutdowns on the iPhone. was that the update 19 would act as a latent time-bomb that slowly eroded the phone’s performance to the frustration of the 20 user – the software update throttled the handset’s performance. And that is precisely what Apple did. batteries “wear” over time. 12 2. This is a consumer protection action seeking injunctive relief and damages arising from 6 Defendant’s unlawful failure to inform consumers that updating their iPhone 6. This lawsuit is 26 27 1 28 Download iOS 10.2. In rolling out iOS 10. 21 4. The cost of the new 11 iPhone X is over $1.: 5:17-cv-7285 . Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 2 of 11 ` 1 Plaintiff Nicole Gallmann (“Plaintiff”) on behalf of herself and all other similarly situated.apple.000.3 Information. however. The effect of Apple’s actions was to a) purposefully reduce device performance with 22 time.. 24 5. Plaintiff and the Class she seeks to represent in this lawsuit are consumers who purchased 25 the Legacy Devices and installed the relevant upgraded operating system software. Replacing the battery at an Apple store costs less than $100. hereby alleges as follows: 4 NATURE OF THE CASE 5 1.2) would dramatically and artificially reduce the 8 performance of the Legacy Devices. (“Apple”) based upon personal knowledge of the facts pertaining to 3 herself. 1 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. normal lithium-ion 14 battery wear does not reduce performance.3. However. Apple Inc. a weakening battery has no effect on performance unless 15 there is software that links the two. SE or 7 (the “Legacy 7 Devices”) to iOS 10. In the modern digital age. and b) deprive consumers of material information concerning the cause of the decline in 23 performance of the Legacy Devices. brings 2 this action against Apple Inc.1.”1 What Apple purposefully failed to disclose. The lithium-ion battery used by 13 Apple slowly diminishes its ability to hold a charge with time and use.
S.1 and has since suffered material and increasing 25 degradation in the performance of the iPhone. 18 INTRADISTRICT ASSIGNMENT 19 9. and this is a class action in which more than two-thirds of 12 the proposed plaintiff class.2. California. 26 11. Code § 17206.: 5:17-cv-7285 . including mobile devices such as iPhone.C. Plaintiff Nicole Gallmann is a resident of San Francisco County. on the one hand. Inc. § 1391 because Apple resides in this 16 district and because the actions and unfair practices described in this complaint were conducted in and 17 orchestrated from this district by Apple. because Apple is 14 incorporated under the laws of the State of California and is headquartered in Cupertino. 22 PARTIES 23 10. 15 8. § 1332(d). Plaintiff requests that the Court find Apple’s business 4 practices constitute unfair competition and enjoin Apple from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Defendant Apple Inc. This Court has jurisdiction over this action under the Class Action Fairness Act. and 24 purchased an iPhone 6. Apple designs. as a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to Plaintiff’s claims occurred in Santa 21 Clara County. 13 7. & Prof. 8 JURISDICTION AND VENUE 9 6. She upgraded to iOS 10. and sells throughout the world a wide range of 28 products. exclusive of interests and costs. 2 Bus. where Apple is headquartered. California. is a California corporation headquartered at 1 Infinite Loop. manufacturers. 28 10 U. Assignment is proper to the San Jose division of this District under Local Rule 3-2(c)- 20 (e).S. Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.000. on the other. The aggregated claims of the individual class members exceed the sum value of 11 $5. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant Apple. & 6 Prof.000. Code § 17200. and pay attorney’s fees and costs of litigation. 5 Plaintiff further requests that the Court order Defendant to: pay civil penalties pursuant to Cal. Bus. Cal. California. 27 Cupertino. 2 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. and Defendant. are citizens of different states. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 3 of 11 ` 1 brought to challenge Apple’s unfair business practices under California’s Unfair Competition Law. provide restitution to the Class of all money that may have been acquired by means 7 of their unfair practice. Plaintiff also brings a claim for breach of the implied covenant of good 3 faith and fair dealing under California law.C.
Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 4 of 11 ` 1 FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS 2 12. The update specifically addressed 6 aging batteries.1.. On January 23. and will be added to other products in the future. which includes overall performance and 8 prolonging the life of their devices. 2017). While the battery issue was a reported problem at the 12 time.2. 3 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. Plaintiff and Class Members are Apple iPhone users. but are loyal followers of Apple.: 5:17-cv-7285 .2. the update specifically sought to prevent the handset from shutting down 10 if a performance spike drew too much power—i. 27 4 Matthew Panzarino. Techcrunch (Feb. 22. it is now known 19 that the feature at the center of the iOS 10. 22. 15 15.e. the update did not even fully address the purported battery “shutdown” 16 issue on all devices: 20 percent of iPhone 6s and 30 percent of iPhone 6 devices that previously 17 experienced unexpected shut down issues continued to experience those issues. 7 Apple promised to “deliver the best experience for customers.vice.apple. 2017) https://motherboard. Apple says IOS 10.4 At the time the iPhone 7 was not impacted.”2 9 14. turning off unexpectedly as if the phone was dead 11 while the phone’s battery still had a charge.2. 21 22 23 2 Jason Koebler. 23.1 has reduced unexpected iPhone 6s shutdown issues by 28 80%. and expressly represented that the purpose was to prolong the useful life of the Device. https://support. 2017. 26 com/zh-cn/HT207414. and SE’s by as much as 70 percent. Apple.3 the iOS update did far more than address shutdowns on those few phones that experienced 13 shutdowns – it also surreptitiously and purposefully throttled the performance speed on the iPhone 6. having purchased various iterations of 4 the mobile device. Inc.com/en_us/article/3k5bdw/apple-throttles- 24 iphones-bad-batteries?utm_source=vicefbus (last visited Dec. Apple Throttles iPhones that Have Old Batteries (But Didn’t’ Tell You About It). However. 2017) https://techcrunch. 14 6S. 5 13. 2017). Many Class Members are not 3 new to the iPhone franchise. For example. 25 3 A Message from Apple about iPhone and Unexpected Shutdowns. Motherboard (Dec.com/2017/02/23/apple-says-ios-10-2-1-has- reduced-unexpected-iphone-6s-shutdown-issues-by-80/ (last visited Dec. Apple released iOS 10. 20. Furthermore.1 update was later extended to iPhone 7 with the release 20 of iOS 11.2. according to a 18 statement released by Apple.
Apple’s failure to disclose the impact of the iOS update 10. a message will appear on the 2 screen inside Settings if that phone’s “battery needs service.” Apple even offered consumers tips regarding when to swap out a battery. (b) owned Apple iPhone 22 6. as 20 members of a class she preliminarily proposes be defined as follows: 21 All consumers who (a) reside in the United States. 6S.2. SE or 7 models and upgraded to iOS 10. despite all of these disclosure opportunities.” Apple did this to “add a bit more 3 transparency to people wondering when Apple considers the battery worn down enough to get 4 swapped out. any of Defendant’s officers.2. 18 CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS 19 21. Plaintiff brings this action on behalf of herself and others similarly situated. https://www. successors.1 or a later version prior to the date of this Complaint. 24 Excluded from the proposed class are Defendant.1) 15 and remedy the issues it produced (and purported to resolve) constitutes an unfair trade practice and 16 breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing implied in Apple’s contracts with Plaintiff and 17 the class. Moreover. 8 18. 4 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO.. consumers experiencing these issues were never notified by Apple (as it 9 represented it would) that “the [device’s] battery needs service. However. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 5 of 11 ` 1 16.1 update reduced unexpected phone shutdowns by slowing the device’s 7 performance dramatically. consumers were denied the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding whether to 13 upgrade their device or instead simply replace the battery. Plaintiff and the class were harmed as a direct and proximate result of Apple’s actions.apple. and 26 27 5 28 Maximizing Battery Life and Lifespan. Because Apple failed to informed consumers that the performance issues were 11 artificially caused by the iOS update in conjunction with an older (but still perfectly functional) 12 battery. and (c) who purchased that iPhone within the 23 United States.: 5:17-cv-7285 .com/batteries/maximizing- performance/.2. Apple Inc.5 5 17. legal representatives. Apple also informed consumers that for those who need it. directors. Apple never informed 6 consumers that the 10. 14 20.1 (and the later iOS 11. heirs. any entity in which Defendant has or had a 25 controlling interest.” 10 19.
1 on device 16 performance.2. 17 e. 15 d. The interests of members of the Class will be fairly and adequately 28 protected by Plaintiff and her counsel. Whether Apple purposefully designed iOS 10. Whether the aspects of iOS 10. Whether Apple notified customers that the artificial reduction in device 20 performance could be remedied by simply replacing the battery. 21 25.2. Typicality. any Judge assigned to this 2 action and his or her immediate family.: 5:17-cv-7285 .1 affecting device performance were extended 18 to iOS 11. 5 23. Common questions of law and fact exist as to 9 members of the class and predominate over questions affecting only individual class members. Adequacy.2. and anyone who timely requests exclusion from the class. The class as presently proposed consists of owners of various iPhones 6 described above. and individual joinder of the purchasers of these computers would be impractical. 14 c. The extent to which iOS 10. the number of proposed Class Member exceeds 1 7 million. 8 24.2. Numerosity. and Plaintiff intends to 27 prosecute this action vigorously.2.1 in fact affected device performance. Plaintiff’s counsel and anyone employed by Plaintiff’s counsel. Upon information and belief. Plaintiff has retained 26 counsel competent and experienced in complex class action litigation. 24 26. This action may be maintained on behalf of the class proposed above under the criteria 4 of Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. 3 22. Plaintiff is an adequate representative of the class because her interests do 25 not conflict with the interests of the members of the class he seeks to represent.1 to affect device performance 13 or otherwise did so knowingly. 12 b. 5 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 6 of 11 ` 1 assigns. Whether and to what extend Apple disclosed the effect of iOS 10. Whether iOS 10. Commonality and Predominance.2. and 19 f.1 or a later version during 2017.2. Plaintiff and class members all purchased Apple Legacy 23 Devices and all upgraded to iOS 10. Plaintiff is a member of the proposed class and her claim is typical of the 22 claims of the other members of the class. These 10 common questions include: 11 a.1 affected device performance.
unethical. & 18 Prof. The class action device is superior to other available means for the fair 2 and efficient adjudication of the claims of Plaintiff and the Class members. it would be 5 virtually impossible for the Class members to seek redress on an individual basis. 19 30. 6 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. The relief sought per 3 individual member of the Class is small given the burden and expense of individual prosecution of the 4 potentially extensive litigation necessitated by the conduct of Defendant. economies of scale and 10 comprehensive supervision by a single court. There is no legitimate business reason for Apple’s business practice such that the 25 utility of its business practice outweighs the harm to consumers. 23 31. Defendant’s business practices are unscrupulous. and by purposefully failing to disclose that performance could be restored 22 by simply changing the battery. Superiority. 13 FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION 14 (For Violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law) 15 28. 16 29. Apple’s business 26 practice undermines this State’s fundamental policy against unfair and sharp business practices that 27 are likely to deceive or mislead consumers. The Class action device presents far fewer management 9 difficulties and provides the benefits of a single. Code § 17200.: 5:17-cv-7285 . Cal. uniform adjudication. unlawful 17 and fraudulent business practices in violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law. Furthermore. constitute unfair. Furthermore. a nationwide Class will be easily managed by the Court and the parties. Given the similar nature of the Class members’ claims 11 and the absence of material differences in the state statutes and common laws upon which the Class 12 members’ claims are based. as alleged in this complaint. Defendant has engaged and continues to engage in an unfair business practice by 20 including code in iOS 10 (and now iOS 11) designed in part to materially diminish performance speed 21 of Apple Legacy Devices. Defendant’s acts and practices. Even if the Class 6 members themselves could afford such individual litigation. and which undercut trust and fair competition in the 28 consumer marketplace. Plaintiff incorporates by reference the foregoing paragraphs. Bus. Individual 7 litigation of the legal and factual issues raised by the conduct of Defendant would increase delay and 8 expense to all parties and to the court system. the court system could not. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 7 of 11 ` 1 27. and substantially injurious 24 to consumers. et seq.
Defendant acted intentionally.: 5:17-cv-7285 . since she has suffered injury in fact and lost money or property as a result of such practices. Plaintiff hereby seeks money damages and restitution 9 in an amount to be determined at trial. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 8 of 11 ` 1 32. 22 37. Defendant impaired the condition. quality. 13 civil penalties. Plaintiff has also suffered reduced productivity as a result of Apple’s practices. unlawful and fraudulent 2 business practices on behalf of the public pursuant to California Business and Professions Code 3 § 17204. On behalf of the proposed class. Plaintiff also hereby seeks entry of appropriate 11 equitable relief pursuant to California Business & Professions Code § 17203. causing her device performance to be artificially throttled. and necessary to secure a fair consumer marketplace. Plaintiff purchased an iPhone 6 and upgraded to 5 iOS 10. because it knew that Plaintiff and Class Members were 26 downloading computer software to their Legacy Devices that reduced the performance of the devices. that results in either a) the deprivation of the use of the 21 personal property or b) the impairment of the condition. 4 in the form of reduced value of the Legacy Device. California common law prohibits the intentional intermeddling with personal property in 20 the possession of another. quality and usefulness of the Plaintiff’s and Class 23 Members’ Legacy Devices.1. Plaintiff incorporates the above allegations by reference as if set forth fully herein. The entry of injunctive relief is of particular 15 importance. restitution of money that may have been acquired by Defendants’ unfair business 14 practices. and attorney’s fees and costs of litigation. Plaintiff also has standing to challenge Defendants’ unfair. 27 Plaintiff and the other Class Members only consented to the installation of software that would improve 28 performance. 25 38. Apple did not inform her that 6 its software was the cause. including an injunction 12 prohibiting Defendant from engaging in the same or similar unfair business practices in the future. or parts of them without their knowledge or consent. On behalf of the proposed class. 8 33. Such acts constituted 24 an intentional interference with the use and enjoyment of the devices. 10 34. and did not inform her that a simple change of battery could restore 7 performance. 7 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. without consent.2. or usefulness of the property. 16 SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION 17 (For Trespass to Chattels) 18 35. not diminish performance. 19 36.
: 5:17-cv-7285 . Apple instead 19 purposefully took actions to reduce the life of the devices.” 17 46. 27 28 8 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. Apple’s actions were objectively unreasonable given Apple’s promises. 25 Plaintiff and the Class suffered damages.2.1 and later iOS versions. 3 40. or substantially all. Plaintiff and other Class Members thus suffered actual damages as a result of 4 Defendant’s actions in an amount to be determined at trial. 18 47.1 21 and later updates to iOS. 22 48.1 update and later updates to “deliver the 15 best experience for customers. Defendant engaged in deception to gain access to the Legacy Devices and install the new 2 computer software. Plaintiff did all. Apple contractually promised in the iOS 10. 12 44. 10 43. which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their 16 devices. and at the time of download of iOS 10. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 9 of 11 ` 1 39. Apple has power affecting the rights of its 11 users. of the things that the contracts required her to do. and purposefully failed to notify customers 20 that replacing the battery would restore performance that had been artificially throttled by iOS 10. 23 49. Plaintiff and the Class members did not receive the benefit 26 of the bargain for which they contracted and for which they paid valuable consideration. Apple entered into a contract with Plaintiff and the Class at the time of purchase of 13 each Legacy Device.2. 24 50. Plaintiff incorporates by reference the foregoing paragraphs 8 42. Despite its contractual promises to prolong the life of the devices. In every contract or agreement there is an implied promise of good faith and fair 9 dealing under California law. As a result of Apple’s misconduct and breach of its duty of good faith and fair dealing.2. In dealings between Apple and its customers. 5 THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION 6 (For Breach of Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing) 7 41. 14 45. Apple’s conduct evaded the spirit of the bargain made between Apple and the Plaintiff.
13 E.com 21 Matthew B. An order and/or judgment enjoining Defendant from writing programs to throttle device 8 performance. 16 DATED: December 22. King (SBN 206423) 20 lking@kaplanfox.com 26 27 28 9 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. 11 D. 17 KAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP 18 By: /s/ Laurence D. George (SBN 239322) mgeorge@kaplanfox. and 15 F. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 10 of 11 ` 1 PRAYER FOR RELIEF 2 WHEREFORE. 2017 Respectfully submitted. CA 94104 Telephone: 415-772-4700 24 Facsimile: 415-772-4707 lking@kaplanfox. King 19 Laurence D. directing that Plaintiff’s claims 6 proceed on a class-wide basis. An order and/or judgment requiring Defendant to transparently notify customers when 10 device performance can be restored by the installation of a new battery. or an alternative class that the Court may find 5 appropriate under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Such other and further relief as this Court may deem appropriate. An order certifying the proposed class. An order and/or judgment requiring Defendants to make restitution to Plaintiff of 12 money that may have been acquired by means of their unfair practices. and appointing Plaintiff and her counsel to represent the class. Choi (SBN 243409) 350 Sansome Street.com 25 mgeorge@kaplanfox. 7 B.com mchoi@kaplanfox. An order granting reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.com 22 Mario M. Plaintiff prays that the Court enter judgment and orders in their favor and 3 against Apple as follows: 4 A. 9 C. as well as pre.and post- 14 judgment interest at the maximum legal rate.: 5:17-cv-7285 . King Laurence D. Suite 400 23 San Francisco.
com 7 dstraite@kaplanfox. NY 10022 Telephone: (212) 687-1980 5 Facsimile: (212) 687-7714 6 ffox@kaplanfox.: 5:17-cv-7285 .com 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 10 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT CASE NO. Straite (pro hac vice to be sought) 3 Aaron Schwartz (pro hac vice to be sought) 850 Third Avenue 4 New York.com dhall@kaplanfox.com aschwartz@kaplanfox. Fox (pro hac vice to be sought) 2 Donald R. Hall (pro hac vice to be sought) David A. Case 5:17-cv-07285-NC Document 1 Filed 12/22/17 Page 11 of 11 ` 1 KAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP Frederic S.

References: § 17206
 § 1391
 § 1332
 § 17200
 § 17200
 § 17204
 § 17203