Apple Watches are not safe, claims a new TikTok video. A new viral TikTok video has sparked widespread concern among Apple Watch users after a legal expert warned of potential dangers linked to the smartwatch, including claims that certain generations could “swell and explode” due to battery defects. Angela (@thelawyerangela), a lawyer who posted the video that has since garnered 556,800 views, also highlighted class action lawsuits alleging the presence of “forever chemicals” in Apple Watch bands, raising health concerns for millions of users worldwide.
In her video, Angela detailed two major issues. First, she pointed to a settled lawsuit involving first-generation, Series 1, 2, and 3 Apple Watches, where a purported design flaw in the battery allegedly caused devices to overheat, swell, or even combust. “Apple settled that lawsuit,” Angela explained, advising affected users who reported the issue to check their email for a notice and submit claims at watchsettlement.com. According to the settlement website, users have until April 10, 2025, to confirm their inclusion in the class and update payment information.
The second issue Angela raised involves ongoing lawsuits about Apple Watch bands allegedly containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), commonly called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. These chemicals, the lawsuits claim, could pose serious health risks such as endocrine disruption, immune system issues, thyroid problems, and liver damage. Angela noted that Apple’s marketing of the watch as the “ultimate device for a healthy life” could be seen as misleading if these claims are true. The lawsuits also argue that sports and ocean versions of the bands encourage users to wear them during activities that induce sweating, potentially increasing PFA absorption.
TikTok users have flooded Angela’s comment section with personal accounts of adverse reactions. One user claimed their Apple Watch “expanded and burned me – twice,” leaving a lasting mark, while others reported rashes from the bands. Apple is yet to respond to these claims.
