Apple Settles Apple Intelligence Suit for $250 Million
Eligible iPhone buyers can claim up to $95 after a class-action lawsuit alleged Apple advertised AI features that were not yet available.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Apple agreed to a $250 million class-action settlement over allegations it promoted AI-powered features, including an upgraded Siri, that were unavailable when it advertised the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024. Apple denied wrongdoing.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleged consumers bought or upgraded devices based on AI capabilities that did not exist at the time of purchase. The settlement offers compensation to eligible U.S. buyers while the court considers final approval.
The settlement sets eligible payments at $25 per device with a $95 maximum per claimant, while total payouts depend on the number of valid claims filed. The court has not yet ruled on final approval, so the final payout amounts remain unresolved.
The players
Apple
Apple is the Cupertino, California-based technology company that makes the iPhone and developed the Apple Intelligence feature set at issue in the lawsuit.
The details
Eligible purchasers include buyers of iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model bought in the U.S. between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. Claimants must submit contact information and device serial numbers through smartphoneaisettlement.com, with separate forms for each iPhone, and payments can be issued by check, direct deposit, PayPal, or Venmo.
Timeline
June 10, 2024: Eligible purchase window opens.
March 29, 2025: Eligible purchase window closes.
Dec. 21, 2026: Deadline to submit claims.
Feb. 24, 2027: Court is scheduled to consider final approval.
Big Picture
The case follows a pattern of consumer class actions over marketed device features that were not available at launch, which has increasingly targeted AI claims in consumer electronics. The settlement shows how such disputes are resolved through payouts without an admission of wrongdoing.
Eligible iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 owners in the U.S. can claim $25 per device, up to $95, by submitting their serial numbers and contact details. Filing requires a separate form for each device before the December 2026 deadline.
The takeaway
Buyers who purchased eligible iPhones during the window should check whether they qualify and file separate claims for each device. Keeping serial numbers and purchase records on hand will make the submission process easier.
What happens next
The court is scheduled to consider final approval of the settlement on Feb. 24, 2027, and payments will follow approval. Claims must be submitted by Dec. 21, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Artificial Intelligence coverage on how AI features are marketed to consumers.
More information
Submit a claim through the Apple Intelligence settlement claim form before the deadline.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Benzinga.
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