Lawsuit filed to make Apple change marketing of Apple Watch Series 9, SE and Ultra 2s

Apple is facing a lawsuit in the United States over its marketing claims that the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2 are "carbon neutral." The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, alleges that Apple's environmental claims are misleading and rely on questionable carbon offset practices.
The plaintiffs, a group of seven Apple Watch purchasers, argue that they would not have bought the devices or would have paid less if they had known the truth behind Apple's "carbon neutral" assertions. The lawsuit claims that Apple's marketing heavily emphasises environmental friendliness, but the company's reliance on carbon offsets to achieve neutrality raises concerns about the validity of these claims.
Apple introduced the "carbon neutral" Apple Watch models in September 2023, stating that the devices achieved this status through a combination of reduced emissions and the purchase of carbon offsets. The company highlighted its commitment to sustainability, including the use of recycled materials and renewable energy in its manufacturing processes.
However, the lawsuit challenges the effectiveness and transparency of carbon offset programs, which often involve funding projects like reforestation or renewable energy initiatives to compensate for emissions. Critics argue that such programs can be difficult to verify and may not deliver the promised environmental benefits.
This legal challenge comes as Apple continues to position itself as a leader in corporate sustainability. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how companies market their environmental initiatives and the standards for verifying carbon neutrality claims.