Judge Orders Apple To Pay Up For Bad iPod Batteries

The settlement, which won tentative approval in June, gives buyers of the first two iPod models either $25 cash or $50 in credit at an Apple store that can be redeemed for any Apple-branded product, including iTunes downloads. Owners of the third-generation iPod are entitled to a free replacement battery if theirs fails.

Those who have already had a battery replaced are eligible for a refund equal to half the amount paid.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman approved the deal.

The settlement has a minimum estimated value of $15 million, and claimants have until May to file forms requesting refunds or credits.

The class action lawsuit was filed in December, 2003, not long after Apple offered a $99 battery-replacement service. Previous to that, Apple had told customers that they needed to buy another iPod if a battery wouldn't hold a charge.

More information about the suit can be found on Apple's Web site.