A historic Apple iPhone release. The Apple iPhone 7 was launched on September 7, 2016, and released on September 16, 2016. It was one of Apple’s most anticipated smartphones, with large crowds outside Apple Stores eager to get their hands on the new device. However, despite its initial success, the iPhone 7 faced multiple hardware issues that led to legal action years later. The Apple iPhone 7 suffered from several screen-related problems. One of the most notorious was Touch Disease, where the screen became unresponsive due to a failing touch IC chip on the logic board. Other common issues included black screen malfunctions, flickering displays, and ghost touch problems. Additionally, some users reported screen unresponsiveness after iOS updates, though these were often resolved with software fixes.
Battery performance degraded over time
Like many smartphones, the iPhone 7 experienced battery degradation over time. Users complained about fast-draining batteries, unexpected shutdowns, and even battery swelling, which could cause physical damage to the device. Apple introduced Battery Health Monitoring in iOS updates to address some concerns and offered discounted battery replacements.
Audio issues led to legal action
Apart from screen and battery problems, the iPhone 7 series also suffered from audio-related issues. Many users reported that the speaker button became grayed out during calls, Siri stopped responding, and Voice Memos failed to work. A leaked memo from 2018 suggested that iOS 11.3 contributed to these problems, rendering the speaker function unusable for some.
Apple settled a class action lawsuit
In January 2024, Apple settled a class action lawsuit related to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus issues. The lawsuit focused on audio malfunctions that made it difficult for users to make phone calls or use FaceTime. The settlement amounted to € 32 million, with eligible users receiving an estimated € 180 to € 320, depending on whether they had paid for repairs. Apple has begun distributing settlement payouts to users who successfully filed claims. Those who paid for repairs are receiving the highest compensation, while those who experienced issues but did not pay for a fix are receiving lower amounts. Some users have moved on to newer iPhones, while others have switched to Android devices.
Apple denies responsibility despite settlement
Despite settling the lawsuit, Apple denied as always, any wrongdoing and did not admit to the alleged defects. This follows a common trend in class action cases, where companies choose to settle rather than engage in prolonged legal battles.
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