Apple must pay iPhone owners to settle a lawsuit over delayed and missing AI features.
Jeff Carlson Main writer
Jeff Carlson writes about mobile technology for CNET. He is also the author of dozens of how-to books covering a wide range from Apple devices and cameras to photo editing software and PalmPilots. He drinks a lot of coffee in Seattle.
Skill mobile technology, Apple devices, generative AI, photography
If you purchased a iPhone16 Or iPhone15 when they launch, you may be able to claim some of the money from a class action lawsuit against Apple. It’s all about the new Apple Intelligence features that the company previewed at launch – features that ultimately didn’t arrive on time, but were finally revealed in more detail this month at WWDC 2026.
Apple has settled a shareholder lawsuit in May, agreeing to pay $250 million to customers who purchased the iPhone 16 and certain iPhone 15 models over a specified period. The lawsuit alleged that Apple misled customers by promising AI features that were not available when new devices were. Payments between $25 and $95 per eligible device are expected.
In a statement to CNET editor-in-chief David Lumb, an Apple spokesperson said: “Apple has reached an agreement to resolve complaints related to the availability of two additional features. We resolved this issue to stay focused on what we do best, which is providing the most innovative products and services to our users. »
Why is there a lawsuit against Apple Intelligence?
When Apple announced its new iPhone 16 lineup, it highlighted how they were optimized for AI features like a Improved Siri which could act as an intelligent agent. When phones arrived, Apple Intelligence wasn’t ready yet; its first features only arrived in iOS 18.1, five weeks later.
According to the proposed settlement, “Apple allegedly saturated the market with misleading advertising, enticing consumers to purchase iPhones based on the promise of certain enhanced Siri features.”
Some Apple Intelligence features shipped shortly after the introduction of iPhone 16 and iOS 18, including Visual intelligence, Live translation, Writing tools, Genmoji And To clean. But these are not the advanced features highlighted by Apple.
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:
- iPhone16
- iPhone16E
- 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 have the processor and memory to run Apple Intelligence features.
It is estimated that around 36 million customers are eligible for this regulation.
Watch this: What iPhone users really want from the new Google-powered Siri
How to claim your share of the settlement
For now you have to wait.
As set forth in the settlement, Apple will provide a list of eligible customers and their contact information to a settlement administrator.
Once the data is verified, Verita will send email and postal notifications to these customers directing them to a settlement website. This 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 must provide affected customer information within five days of approval of the settlement, scheduled for June 17, 2026.
Once the data is provided and verified, a 45-day notice period begins to notify potential consumers that they are eligible for payment.
Actual payment of claims will occur within 60 calendar days after final details, such as exclusions and objections, have been resolved. This places the first checks or deposits to arrive after September 2026, depending on court dates and possible extensions.
Jeff Carlson writes about mobile technology for CNET. He is also the author of dozens of how-to books covering a wide range from Apple devices and cameras to photo editing software and PalmPilots. He drinks a lot of coffee in Seattle. See full bio
