iPhone users take note, Apple may owe you some money

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million in settlement over a lawsuit in the US. The lawsuit alleged that the company misled consumers with advertisements on Apple Intelligence features that were not available at launch of the iPhone 16.

In Short

• Apple agrees to pay $250 million over lawsuit on delayed Siri features
• Phone 16, iPhone 15 Pro users eligible for settlement pay
• Settlement proposal yet to be approved

Apple will pay iPhone users. The company has agreed to a $250 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit that accused it of misleading consumers about Apple Intelligence, including an “enhanced Siri” that was supposed to be available with the launch of the iPhone 16 in 2024.

The settlement will put an end to the lawsuit filed in 2024 by Peter Landsheft in a US federal court in California. But what was the lawsuit about? And who is eligible to receive a settlement sum from Apple? Here are all the details.

What was the lawsuit?

During WWDC 2024, Apple showcased new Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalised Siri. At the time, the company stated that these features would make it to the iPhone later that year with the launch of the iPhone 16 series.

The lawsuit claims that these statements along with Apple Intelligence advertisements created “clear and reasonable consumer expectations.”

However, when the iPhone 16 series was launched in fall of 2024, the lawsuit alleges that the company “offered a significantly limited or entirely absent version of Apple Intelligence, misleading consumers about its actual utility and performance.”

Do note that the new personalised Siri features are expected to launch later this year.

What did Apple say?

Apple said in a statement to MacRumours, “Apple has reached a settlement to resolve claims related to the availability of two additional features. We resolved this matter to stay focused on doing what we do best, delivering the most innovative products and services to our users.”

Do note that the company has not admitted any fault. Apple has also reiterated new Apple Intelligence features that it had introduced including “Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Clean Up.”

Who is eligible for Apple’s settlement pay?

The proposed settlement applies to people in the US who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. That is, if you had purchased an iPhone in the US that supports Apple Intelligence in the given timeframe.

Eligible users who file claims are expected to receive $25 (roughly Rs 2,380) per qualifying device, with the amount potentially rising to $95 (roughly Rs 9,050) depending on the number of claims.

The settlement has received preliminary approval, though court approval is still required, and email notices to eligible users are expected within 45 days.

- Ends