Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over its marketing of Apple Intelligence features, potentially putting money back into the pockets of eligible iPhone buyers in the United States.
The lawsuit centres on Apple’s promotion of an upgraded Siri experience that promised more personalised assistance through access to users’ personal context. However, the rollout of those features was delayed, leading plaintiffs to accuse the company of misleading consumers through its advertising.
Apple denies wrongdoing but has agreed to the settlement to resolve the legal dispute.
For eligible customers, the settlement could mean a payout of at least $25 per device, with the amount potentially reaching $95, depending on the number of valid claims filed.
Why Apple Agreed to the $250 Million Settlement
The lawsuit focused on Apple’s early marketing of Apple Intelligence and its promised improvements to Siri.
Among the features highlighted was a more personalised Siri capable of understanding personal context and retrieving relevant information from apps such as Messages. For instance, the assistant was expected to help users access details such as their mother’s flight information without requiring them to search for it manually.
Plaintiffs argued that Apple promoted these capabilities before delaying their availability, creating a gap between what consumers were led to expect and what they received.
The legal action accused Apple of false advertising over its handling of these AI features. The company has denied the allegations and has agreed to settle rather than continue the dispute in court.
Ryan Clarkson, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs, described the $250 million settlement as the largest false advertising settlement in history in an email to CBS News.
Which iPhone Models Are Eligible for the Settlement?
The settlement covers certain iPhone models purchased by eligible U.S. residents during a specific period.
To qualify, consumers must have purchased an eligible device for personal or professional use between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
The eligible iPhone models include:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
Customers who purchased one or more of these devices during the qualifying period may be eligible to submit a claim.
However, owning one of the listed iPhones alone does not guarantee a payment. Buyers must also meet the settlement’s eligibility requirements.
Apple Settlement Payout Could Reach $95 Per iPhone
Eligible claimants can expect a base payment of $25 per device. However, the final amount could increase to as much as $95, depending on the total number of valid claims submitted under the settlement.
The number of claims filed will therefore play a role in determining how much eligible customers ultimately receive.
Consumers with multiple qualifying iPhones should pay attention to the claim requirements. A separate claim form must be submitted for each eligible device’s serial number.
This means customers who purchased more than one qualifying iPhone during the eligible period may be able to submit multiple claims, provided each device meets the settlement’s conditions.
How to File a Claim for Apple’s iPhone Settlement
Apple customers who believe they qualify can submit their claims through the official settlement website, SmartphoneAISettlement.com.
The deadline to file a claim is December 21, 2026.
Applicants will need to provide the required device or account information. This may include the iPhone’s serial number, which can be found under Settings > General > About, or their Apple Account email address and phone number.
The settlement offers several payment methods, including Venmo, PayPal, direct deposit and paper checks.
Eligible customers should ensure that their information is accurate and that their claims are submitted before the deadline.
When Will Apple Settlement Payments Arrive?
Consumers should not expect immediate payments after submitting their claims.
A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for February 24, 2027. Payments are expected to be distributed after the settlement receives final approval and the claims process moves forward.
The settlement does not mean Apple has admitted to false advertising. The company continues to deny wrongdoing, and the agreement is intended to resolve the lawsuit.
For iPhone owners who purchased eligible devices during the qualifying period, the settlement offers a potential financial recovery tied to Apple’s delayed Siri AI promises. The amount each claimant receives will ultimately depend on the settlement’s terms and the number of valid claims filed.
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