Apple Customers Eligible for Settlement Due to Siri Feature Delays

Apple customers have limited time left to claim part of a $250 million settlement linked to allegations that the company did not deliver certain Siri features as advertised under Apple Intelligence. This proposed settlement involves eligible U.S. customers who purchased iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16-series devices from June 10, 2024, to March 29, 2025.

Eligibility and Claims

To qualify, you must submit a claim online or have it postmarked by December 21 of this year. Those who submit valid claims are expected to receive about $25 per eligible device. The actual payout depends on the number of valid claims submitted, with a maximum cap of $95 per device. Despite denying the allegations, Apple agreed to this settlement without admitting to any misdeeds.

Background of the Allegations

The case arose because plaintiffs claimed that buyers of specific iPhones were affected when certain Apple Intelligence features were not rolled out on schedule. When Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024, it advertised a more personalized Siri capable of understanding user context and recognizing on-screen information. The advanced version was meant to execute more tasks across apps, but some capabilities were delayed.

Who Can Participate?

Eligible parties are U.S. residents who purchased a qualifying device for personal use between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. Devices eligible for claims include:

• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

You must also affirm that you expected a Siri feature included in Apple Intelligence, which was not provided at the time of purchase.

How to File a Claim

Submit your claim on the official Smartphone AI Settlement website. You’ll need your device’s serial number or your Apple Account email to verify eligibility. Recipients of a settlement notice can use the Claim ID and PIN provided, though you can also file without those details. Be aware that the payout is not guaranteed, so verify information directly on the settlement site and avoid paying others to file for you.

Available payment methods include PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit, or mailed check. Ensure all claims are filed by December 21.

Expected Payments

The payment amount per qualifying device is approximately $25, but it can rise to $95 or fall below $25, based on claim submissions. The case highlights a broader issue within the tech sector, where AI promises are made before features are fully prepared.

Michael Ryan, a finance expert, notes that anticipated features should not be valued like current ones. Companies must be clearer about what is a demonstration and what is a commitment.

The Apple Lawsuit

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, plaintiffs argued that Apple failed to deliver certain Apple Intelligence features in a timely manner. Apple denies these allegations and clarifies that the settlement is not an admission of any wrongdoing.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

Submitting a claim does not guarantee immediate payment post-December 21, as the settlement awaits final court approval in February 2027. Kevin Thompson from 9i Capital Group suggests that the tech industry often evades accountability through settlements, emphasizing a need for more stringent measures to prevent overpromising features.

Contact Newsweek editors: Anthony Murray and Jason Lemon.