Apple has agreed to a settlement in a U.S. lawsuit claiming the company promoted new Siri and Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence features when unveiling the iPhone 16, even though those features were not actually available or fully functional at the time the phones reached customers. The proposed settlement could total up to $250 million, potentially providing refunds to millions of iPhone owners.
Background of the lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed in March 2025 by a California purchaser. The complaint alleges Apple used Apple Intelligence and particularly the new Siri capabilities to boost sales, presenting those features as one of the major innovations of the new phones while they were effectively not present at launch. Apple denies it misled buyers but opted to settle rather than pursue a prolonged court battle.
Who may be eligible
Under the settlement, U.S. customers who purchased certain iPhone models between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025 may be eligible to claim compensation. The covered devices include the entire iPhone 16 lineup as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Amounts and claims process
The base payment is expected to be $25 per device, but if fewer claimants participate than anticipated, individual payouts could increase up to $95. Payments will not be automatic: eligible users will likely need to submit claims through a designated website after the court approves the settlement. The court approval is expected on June 17. Eligible purchasers may also receive notification by email or postal mail with instructions on how to file a claim.
Legal and market implications
The settlement would resolve the lawsuit without a court ruling on whether Apple engaged in deceptive marketing. The case highlights how product announcements and advertised AI capabilities can lead to litigation if promised features are delayed or unavailable at launch.
This article is not legal or financial advice.
