Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a class action lawsuit for advertising AI features on the iPhone 15 and 16 that were delayed after product launches. Eligible iPhone buyers can claim payments ranging from $25 to $95 per device.
- Settlement covers iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 16 purchased June 2024 to March 2025
- Payouts estimated between $25 and $95 per eligible device
- Notification and claim process to start after June 2026 court approval
What happened
Apple settled a lawsuit accusing the company of misleading customers by advertising AI features on the iPhone 15 and 16 series that were not available at launch. The issue centered on Apple Intelligence functionalities, including enhanced Siri features, which were previewed but only became available weeks later with an iOS update.
The $250 million settlement covers customers who bought qualifying devices, primarily the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16, between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. The lawsuit claimed Apple saturated the market with misleading advertisements prompting purchases based on promised but delayed AI enhancements.
Why it matters
This settlement highlights increasing scrutiny over technology companies’ marketing claims, especially when advanced features are promoted but unavailable at launch. For consumers, it underscores the importance of accurate product representations in purchasing decisions.
With an estimated 36 million customers eligible, the payout process serves as a significant example of shareholder and consumer action influencing compliance and transparency from major tech companies like Apple.
What to watch next
Claimants will have 90 days from the notification to submit claims, with payments disbursed within 60 days after the final settlement details are resolved. Actual payments are expected to begin after September 2026, depending on court timelines and any potential objections.