Apple to Pay $250 Million — Sold You on a Smarter Siri, Then Quietly Delayed It

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed after the company promoted advanced artificial intelligence features for Siri during the launch of the iPhone 16 — then delayed those features for months after millions of customers had already paid for their phones. A court granted preliminary approval to the settlement on May 5, 2026.

Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing. Notices to eligible customers are going out now, and a formal claim filing period is expected to open soon.

What the Lawsuit Says Happened

At Apple’s developer conference in June 2024, the company unveiled a new, more capable version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence — its artificial intelligence system. These features were heavily promoted in television ads and online videos when the iPhone 16 launched in September 2024. Customers who purchased the iPhone 16, the iPhone 15 Pro, and other qualifying models were told that a smarter, more personalized Siri was part of what they were buying.

In March 2025, Apple quietly announced it was delaying the personalized Siri features indefinitely. The company pulled its advertisements after the delay was announced — but by then, millions of people had already bought their devices based on what those ads had shown them.

The lawsuit argues that Apple engaged in false advertising and unfair competition by marketing features it knew it could not deliver on time, and that buyers paid a premium for phones based partly on capabilities they never received.

Which iPhones Are Covered

The settlement covers customers who purchased any of the following devices in the United States between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

If you purchased one of these models during that time window — whether new or as a gift — you may be eligible to file a claim. The purchase does not need to have been made directly from Apple. Phones bought through carriers like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile also qualify, as do purchases made through third-party retailers.

How Much Could You Receive?

Under the settlement terms, eligible customers are entitled to $25 per device. That amount could increase to as much as $95 per device depending on how many claims are submitted — the fewer people who file, the higher each individual payout. Customers who purchased more than one qualifying device may be able to submit a claim for each one.

What You Need to Do

The settlement is in its claim notice period following preliminary court approval. Apple is sending notices to eligible customers, and the formal claim filing window will open soon. To make sure you do not miss it:

• Watch your email for a settlement notice from Apple or from the settlement administrator.
• Submit your information using the form on this page so we can follow up when the claim window opens.
• You will generally need your device’s serial number or proof of purchase when filing your claim.
• If you bought multiple qualifying iPhones, you may be able to submit a separate claim for each.

Why This Matters

Consumer protection law in the United States is clear: when a company advertises specific features to sell a product, those features need to actually be available — or the company needs to make customers whole. It does not matter whether the delay was intentional. What matters is what buyers were told when they made their decision to purchase.

Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world, but it is subject to the same rules that apply to any business. Settlements like this one are how courts hold large companies accountable when advertising does not match reality.