Apple is facing another class action lawsuit over one of its products. This time it’s about some Apple Watch bracelets. Filed by a law firm on behalf of the affected people civil statement of claim (Case 5:25-cv-00713-VKD) It says that, despite Apple’s statements to the contrary, the products contain so-called forever chemicals, i.e. per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds, or PFAS for short. These are toxic substances that accumulate in the body and the environment and are virtually indestructible.
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Fraud and violation of competition law?
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks damages from Apple, among other things. Claims include, but are not limited to, violation of competition law, fraudulent advertising, fraud and attempts to conceal fraud, and violation of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, which alleges companies discriminate against consumers. Gives right to class action in some cases,
The lawsuit refers to a study from the University of Notre Dame, A total of 15 bracelets were found to contain “significant” levels of PFAS. Remained. It is unclear whether toxins enter the body when worn. The products tested come from 22 well-known brands. However, the study did not explicitly mention which bracelets contained PFAS. However, it was reported that others including Apple, Nike, Fitbit and its parent Google were tested.
These are plastic tapes, some of which are directly advertised with the words “fluoroelastomer tape”, which indicates PFAS. Apple also uses this term In your popular sports bandPFAS were specifically discovered in the more expensive wristbands, which were up to $50 more expensive than wristbands without the fabric grade.
According to the lawsuit, three categories of bracelets were affected
The California lawsuit targets all Apple Watch users who have purchased a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band or Ocean Band, or received one with their Apple Watch. The plaintiffs claim “elevated levels” of PFAS were discovered there. It is unclear whether the judge responsible will actually grant class action status to the lawsuit, but this is often the case. Apple said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed that the bracelets were “Safe” when worn.In addition to our own tests, we also worked with independent laboratories to conduct “rigorous testing and analysis” of what materials are used in products, including Apple Watch bracelets.
Apple already had 2022 in a white paper Announced that they intend to “phase out” PFAS from their products. It says the class of PFAS it uses most in its products is fluoropolymers. “While our analysis found that these ingredients are safe to use in the product, we felt it was important to broaden our approach and consider manufacturing throughout the supply chain. We concluded that our goal is to eliminate the use of all PFAS compounds. should be banned.” However, it takes time to completely eliminate the use of “Apple products and processes.”
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