Apple faces class action suit for using 'forever chemicals' in watch bands

The lawsuit, filed on Jan. 21 in California's Northern District, targets Apple Watch’s Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band, according to The Register.

The bands are made of fluoroelastomer, which the suit claims conceal the presence of PFAS. "The defendant knows that certain of its products contain PFAS. It also knows that those chemicals are dangerous."

Apple Watch Series 10. Photo courtesy of Apple

It accuses Apple of knowingly selling bands containing PFAS despite safer manufacturing alternatives and cites a 2022 Apple document committing to phasing out PFAS.

It says Apple failed to inform consumers which products contain PFAS while marketing the bands as health-conscious and sustainable.

"[Apple] could have avoided the unreasonable safety and environmental hazard with available manufacturing alternatives.

"And its failure to do so while continuing to promise consumers health, wellness, and sustainability is unlawful, unfair and fraudulent under consumer protection laws."

The proposed class action includes anyone who purchased an Apple Watch with one of the offending bands.

The plaintiffs accuse Apple of violating California’s unfair competition and advertising laws, seeking monetary damages, an injunction to cease sales and class certification.

The lawsuit follows a December 2024 study by the University of Notre Dame that found elevated PFAS levels in smartwatch bands and fitness trackers from brands including Apple, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung.

PFAS are commonly used in nonstick cookware, clothing, and cleaning supplies. These chemicals degrade slowly, persisting in the environment and accumulating in human bodies over time, with risks to unborn children and long-term health concerns, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."