Apple customers in the U.S. have only a few months left to claim part of a $250 million settlement. The case revolves around allegations that Apple failed to deliver specific Siri features that were marketed under Apple Intelligence. The settlement concerns customers who purchased certain iPhone models between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Understanding the Settlement
The proposed settlement in the case of Landsheft v. Apple Inc. targets eligible U.S. customers who bought the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16-series devices. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by December 21 of this year to qualify for compensation. Each valid claim could result in a payment of about $25 per device, which might vary based on the number of claims.
Though Apple has denied the allegations, the lawsuit stemmed from the company’s promotion of AI capabilities that were not delivered as promised. Plaintiffs argued that these features were expected at launch but delayed, resulting in the $250 million settlement agreement. Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing in this matter.
Criteria for Eligibility
To be eligible for the settlement, customers must reside in the U.S. and have purchased the devices for purposes other than resale within the stated timeframe. Eligible devices comprise:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Claimants must certify they anticipated certain Siri Apple Intelligence features, which were not provided. Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, highlighted that the case is centered on alleged false advertising by Apple.
Claim Submission Process
Eligible customers should submit claims on the official Smartphone AI Settlement website. Proof of ownership, such as the device’s serial number or Apple Account email, is required. Alternatively, the Claim ID and PIN from the settlement notice can be used. It’s important to file claims directly through the official avenues, as payouts are not guaranteed, and one should avoid paying third parties for claim submission.
Payment options include PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit, or a mailed check. All claims need to be filed by December 21.
Financial Implications
The settlement is designed to provide around $25 per device to eligible customers. However, the final payout hinges on the number of valid claims and might increase to as much as $95 per device or reduce below the expected estimate.
The broader tech industry could learn from this situation. Companies should differentiate between features that are currently functional and those that are promised but not yet available. This distinction could affect consumer expectations and marketing strategies.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Plaintiffs alleged harm from Apple’s delay in delivering advertised Apple Intelligence features. Apple disputed these allegations, emphasizing that the settlement does not imply any admission of guilt.
Next Steps
Filing a claim does not guarantee an immediate payout. A final court approval is necessary for the settlement, with a hearing scheduled for February 24, 2027. Kevin Thompson outlined that such settlements reflect a broader issue in Silicon Valley. Companies often face minimal repercussions for overpromising and underdelivering, maintaining large market capitalizations.
Newsweek utilized Martyn, its AI assistant, to compile this information. Reporters Anthony Murray and Jason Lemon contributed to this story.