Apple's $250M AI iPhone Settlement Gets Court Approval: 36 Million Customers May Qualify

Hoping to Collect on Apple's $250M AI iPhone Settlement? You'll Have to Wait a Year - CNET

Jeff Carlson writes about mobile technology at CNET, from cellular phone plans to devices and emerging technology. Read full bio If you purchased an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 at launch in order to jump into promised Apple Intelligence features, you were probably disappointed: The signature AI abilities were nowhere to be found, and only a few related features appeared later. The good news is that you may be entitled to receive a portion of a quarter of a billion dollar lawsuit. The bad news is that you'll have to wait more than a year to see any of it. Apple settled a false advertising lawsuit in May, agreeing to pay $250 million to customers who bought the iPhone 16 and some iPhone 15 models during a specified period. The lawsuit alleged that Apple misled customers by promising AI features that didn't ship when the new devices did. Payouts between $25 and $95 per eligible device are expected. In an earlier statement to CNET Managing Editor David Lumb, an Apple spokesperson said, "Apple has reached a settlement to resolve claims related to the availability of two additional features. We resolved this matter to stay focused on doing what we do best, delivering the most innovative products and services to our users." Now the case has moved forward as of July 17. According to an email from Clarkson Law Firm, "The Court has granted preliminary approval of the settlement ... This means the Court has reviewed the proposed terms and found them sufficient to move forward to the next phase; it is not a final ruling on the settlement's fairness." Why is there a lawsuit over Apple Intelligence? When Apple advertised its new iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, it emphasized how the models were optimized for AI features such as an enhanced Siri that could act as an intelligent agent. When the phones did arrive, Apple Intelligence wasn't yet ready; its first features didn't arrive until iOS 18.1, five weeks later. According to the proposed settlement, "Apple allegedly saturated the market with deceptive ads, inducing consumers to purchase iPhones based on the promise of certain enhanced Siri features." Some features of Apple Intelligence did ship soon after the introduction of the iPhone 16 and iOS 18, including Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Writing Tools, Genmoji and Clean Up. But those weren't the advanced features Apple highlighted. In fact, the type of intelligent interactions Apple advertised are only starting to show up in Siri AI, which is part of iOS 27 that's expected to be released later this year. The public beta of iOS 27 is available now. Who is eligible for the $250 million settlement? Customers who purchased one of the following devices between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, are eligible to receive a settlement payment: * iPhone 16 * iPhone 16E * iPhone 16 Plus * iPhone 16 Pro * iPhone 16 Pro Max * iPhone 15 Pro * iPhone 15 Pro Max The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are included because they had the processor and memory to run Apple Intelligence features. It's estimated that approximately 36 million customers are eligible for this settlement. How to claim your portion of the settlement For now, you need to wait. As set forth in the settlement, Apple will provide a list of eligible customers and their contact information to a settlement administrator. After the data has been verified, the company Verita will send email and postal notices to those customers directing them to a settlement website. That site has not yet been created. The deadline for filing your claim will be 90 days after your notice arrives. When can you expect to receive a settlement payment? According to the settlement, Apple needed to provide the information about affected customers within five days of the settlement approval. As of late July, preliminary approval has been granted by the court. After the data is provided and verified, a 45-day notice period begins to inform potential consumers that they're eligible for a payment. According to the July 17 motion, the final approval hearing is scheduled for the morning of September 29, 2027. Provided approval is granted, that puts the first checks or deposits arriving sometime within a 60-calendar-day window after September 2027, depending on court dates and possible extensions.

Apple's $250M AI iPhone Settlement Moves Forward. Find Out If You're Eligible to Collect - CNET

Jeff Carlson writes about mobile technology at CNET, from cellular phone plans to devices and emerging technology. Read full bio If you bought an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 at launch so you could start playing with the new Apple Intelligence features, you'll remember the hype didn't match the reality: The signature AI abilities weren't present, and when some arrived later, they weren't what Apple promised. Now, due to a settlement moving through the courts, you may be able to claim part of a quarter of a billion dollars. Apple settled a false advertising lawsuit in May, agreeing to pay $250 million to customers who bought the iPhone 16 and some iPhone 15 models during a specified period. The lawsuit alleged that Apple misled customers by promising AI features that didn't ship when the new devices did. Payouts between $25 and $95 per eligible device are expected. In an earlier statement to CNET Managing Editor David Lumb, an Apple spokesperson said, "Apple has reached a settlement to resolve claims related to the availability of two additional features. We resolved this matter to stay focused on doing what we do best, delivering the most innovative products and services to our users." According to an email from Clarkson Law Firm, the outfit that brought the lawsuit, the case has moved to the next step as of July 17. "The Court has granted preliminary approval of the settlement," the firm says. "This means the Court has reviewed the proposed terms and found them sufficient to move forward to the next phase; it is not a final ruling on the settlement's fairness." Why is there a lawsuit over Apple Intelligence? When Apple advertised its new iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, it emphasized how the models were optimized for AI features such as an enhanced Siri that could act as an intelligent agent. When the phones did arrive, Apple Intelligence wasn't yet ready; its first features didn't arrive until iOS 18.1, five weeks later. According to the proposed settlement, "Apple allegedly saturated the market with deceptive ads, inducing consumers to purchase iPhones based on the promise of certain enhanced Siri features." Some features of Apple Intelligence did ship soon after the introduction of the iPhone 16 and iOS 18, including Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Writing Tools, Genmoji and Clean Up. But those weren't the advanced features Apple highlighted. In fact, the type of intelligent interactions Apple advertised are only starting to show up in Siri AI, which is part of iOS 27 that's expected to be released later this year. The public beta of iOS 27 is available now. Who is eligible for the $250 million settlement? Customers who purchased one of the following devices between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, are eligible to receive a settlement payment: * iPhone 16 * iPhone 16E * iPhone 16 Plus * iPhone 16 Pro * iPhone 16 Pro Max * iPhone 15 Pro * iPhone 15 Pro Max The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are included because they had the processor and memory to run Apple Intelligence features. It's estimated that approximately 36 million customers are eligible for this settlement. How to claim your portion of the settlement For now, you need to wait. As set forth in the settlement, Apple will provide a list of eligible customers and their contact information to a settlement administrator. After the data has been verified, the company Verita will send email and postal notices to those customers directing them to a settlement website. That site has not yet been created. The deadline for filing your claim will be 90 days after your notice arrives. When can you expect to receive a settlement payment? According to the settlement, Apple needed to provide the information about affected customers within five days of the settlement approval. As of late July, preliminary approval has been granted by the court. After the data is provided and verified, a 45-day notice period begins to inform potential consumers that they're eligible for a payment. The actual payment of claims will occur within a 60-calendar-day window after the final details, such as exclusions and objections, have been worked out. That puts the first checks or deposits arriving sometime after September 2026, depending on court dates and possible extensions.

Apple Siri settlement: Who gets paid and how much

Apple's $250 million class action lawsuit settlement over Siri and Apple Intelligence delays is moving through the court system. Here's the latest news on how the $250 million will be distributed, who's eligible, and more. Apple's $250 million Siri settlement Apple was hit with a class action lawsuit last year, after delaying the launch of select Siri and Apple Intelligence features it first announced at WWDC 2024. The lawsuit said that Apple promoted and marketed AI capabilities that did not exist at the time and would not exist for years. Contrary to Defendant's claims of advanced AI capabilities, the Products offered a significantly limited or entirely absent version of Apple Intelligence, misleading consumers about its actual utility and performance. Worse yet, Defendant promoted its Products based on these overstated AI capabilities, leading consumers to believe they were purchasing a device with features that did not exist or were materially misrepresented. The lawsuit said Apple's marketing around Apple Intelligence drove "unprecedented excitement" to "convince consumers to upgrade at a premium price point." Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit in December, and the settlement terms were announced in May. As part of the settlement, Apple is admitting no wrongdoing. At the time, Apple told 9to5Mac that it settled the lawsuit to "stay focused on doing what we do best, delivering the most innovative products and services to our users." In its statement, Apple also touted the Apple Intelligence features that had shipped at that time, including things like Writing Tools, Clean Up, Visual Intelligence, and more. As spotted by MacRumors, Apple's settlement proposal received signed preliminary approval from a judge last week after a hearing that occurred on July 8. This means the case can now proceed to the next stage. The judge rejected an argument that said the proposed settlement lumps together class members with very different claim values. Who is eligible For iPhone users, the big news is that Apple will pay out a portion of $250 million to affected iPhone users. The eligible class includes people who purchased Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone models between June 10, 2024, when Apple announced the features, and March 29, 2025, shortly after Apple delayed the features. Here are the devices: * iPhone 15 Pro * iPhone 15 Pro Max * iPhone 16e * iPhone 16 * iPhone 16 Plus * iPhone 16 Pro * iPhone 16 Pro Max How much is Apple paying iPhone users? Apple's settlement is for $250 million, but legal fees and lawyers will take a chunk of that right off the top. For iPhone users themselves, the payout is expected to be $25 per eligible device. That number, however, is not set in stone and depends on the exact number of claims submitted. If more eligible users file a claim, the payout could be lower. If fewer claims are filed, the maximum payout is $95 per eligible device. How to submit your claim As of right now, there is nothing that eligible iPhone users need to do. Now that the case has formally received preliminary approval, it can proceed to the next step. As part of this, notices inviting claim submissions will be sent within 45 days of last week's approval -- so no later than August 31, 2026. To submit a claim, you will need to provide proof that you purchased an eligible device, such as a serial number. You'll also need to provide your Apple Account information and phone number. Verita Global, the Settlement Administrator behind the case, will set up a website where you can submit claim information. As of right now, however, that is not available. We'll be sure to update you when it is. Payment will take a while, though. The final approval hearing for payouts (not just the terms of the deal) isn't until September 29, 2027, and checks don't go out until at least 60 days after that. Wrap up Are you eligible for Apple's $250 million payout over the Siri and Apple Intelligence delays? Do you think this is a fair settlement? Let us know down in the comments.

Siri Settlement Approved: Apple to Pay Owners of Some iPhone Models

In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. Apple's settlement has now received preliminary approval from a judge, according to a July 17 court document. However, there is no settlement website yet, and it may take months before eligible customers can begin submitting claims. In other words, no action is required from eligible customers at this time, but stay tuned for updates. Below, we have answered some key questions regarding the lawsuit. Why Was Apple Sued? In June 2024, Apple previewed new Siri capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence, including understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps. Apple advertised those Siri features in product presentations, on its website, in a TV commercial starring actor Bella Ramsey, and elsewhere. In March 2025, Apple delayed the launch of the personalized version of Siri, leading to the company being hit with a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising. In a statement, Apple touted a range of other Apple Intelligence features it had already released. Nevertheless, Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit "to stay focused" on "delivering the most innovative products and services to our users." Apple finally announced "Siri AI" at WWDC 2026 last month, and the revamped assistant is available to test on the iOS 27 developer beta, with a public beta to follow this month. iOS 27 should be released in September, at which point "Siri AI" will finally be available to all users with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Am I Eligible? To be eligible to submit a claim, you must reside in the U.S. and have purchased any iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 model between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025. The full list of eligible iPhone models: * iPhone 15 Pro * iPhone 15 Pro Max * iPhone 16 * iPhone 16e * iPhone 16 Plus * iPhone 16 Pro * iPhone 16 Pro Max It is unlikely that individuals who submit a claim will still need to have physical possession of an eligible iPhone model. However, there is a possibility that proof of purchase or other information will be required, such as the device's serial number. Exact requirements will be outlined on the settlement website, which is still not live. How Much Will Apple Pay Me? According to the terms of the settlement, each person who files an eligible claim will receive a per-device payment of $25, but this amount could increase up to $95 if the total number of claims submitted is lower than anticipated. Where and When Can I Submit a Claim? Over the coming months, a settlement website is expected to go live with an online claims form. Eligible class members will be notified by email within approximately 45 days after the settlement received preliminary approval, according to the court documents. Even if you are not notified but are a U.S. resident who purchased one of the above iPhone models within the above dates, you are still eligible if you meet the criteria.

Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. In July, Apple's settlement received preliminary approval from a judge. However, there is no settlement website yet, and it will likely be at least a few more months before eligible customers can begin submitting claims. In other words, no action is required from eligible customers at this time, but stay tuned for updates. Below, we have answered some key questions regarding the lawsuit. Why Was Apple Sued? In June 2024, Apple previewed new Siri capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence, including understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps. Apple advertised those Siri features in product presentations, on its website, in a TV commercial starring actor Bella Ramsey, and elsewhere. In March 2025, Apple delayed the launch of the personalized version of Siri, leading to the company being hit with a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising. In a statement, Apple touted a range of other Apple Intelligence features it had already released. Nevertheless, Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit "to stay focused" on "delivering the most innovative products and services to our users." Apple finally announced "Siri AI" at WWDC 2026 last month, and the revamped assistant is available to test on the iOS 27 developer beta, with a public beta to follow this month. iOS 27 should be released in September, at which point "Siri AI" will finally be available to all users with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Am I Eligible? To be eligible to submit a claim, you must reside in the U.S. and have purchased any iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 model between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025. The full list of eligible iPhone models: * iPhone 15 Pro * iPhone 15 Pro Max * iPhone 16 * iPhone 16e * iPhone 16 Plus * iPhone 16 Pro * iPhone 16 Pro Max It is unlikely that individuals who submit a claim will still need to have physical possession of an eligible iPhone model. However, there is a possibility that proof of purchase or other information will be required, such as the device's serial number. Exact requirements will be outlined on the settlement website, which is still not live. How Much Will Apple Pay Me? According to the terms of the settlement, each person who files an eligible claim will receive a per-device payment of $25, but this amount could increase up to $95 if the total number of claims submitted is lower than anticipated. Where and When Can I Submit a Claim? Over the coming months, a settlement website is expected to go live with an online claims form. Eligible class members will be notified by email within approximately 45 days after the settlement received preliminary approval, according to the court documents. Even if you are not notified but are a U.S. resident who purchased one of the above iPhone models within the above dates, you are still eligible if you meet the criteria.