While Apple claimed that the measure was necessary to prevent devices from suddenly shutting down, local consumers claim that the company should still have notified users of the matter before the decision was taken.

Earlier this month, the Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty also filed a similar suit with 401 people, which followed a similar suit filed in January involving 122 users.

The law firm said while Apple was aware that the speed of iPhones slowed down through the problematic iOS updates, it did not notify users to hide the flaws in the battery, to prevent consumers from seeking other options and to promote sales of iPhones.

Hannuri said Apple should pay 12.7 billion won ($11.9 million) in compensation, or 200,000 won to each of its clients. (Yonhap)