Apple’s $250 Million Siri Settlement Approved for Eligible iPhone Users

A $250 million settlement concerning Apple’s delayed Siri and Apple Intelligence features has received preliminary court approval, advancing the class action lawsuit toward the next phase. The settlement outlines the distribution plan and eligibility criteria for affected users.

The lawsuit originated last year after Apple postponed the launch of certain Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities initially announced at WWDC 2024. Plaintiffs argued that Apple marketed AI features that were not yet available and would remain unavailable for years.

The complaint stated that, despite the defendant’s claims of advanced AI, the products delivered limited or absent Apple Intelligence functionality, misleading consumers regarding the actual performance and utility. It further alleged that Apple’s promotion of these overstated features led customers to purchase devices under false pretenses.

According to the lawsuit, Apple’s marketing generated “unprecedented excitement” aimed at persuading consumers to upgrade at premium prices.

Apple agreed to settle the litigation in December, with settlement terms announced in May. The company did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement. Apple stated to 9to5Mac that the settlement was intended to allow focus on delivering innovative products and services.

At the time, Apple highlighted the Apple Intelligence features already available, such as Writing Tools, Clean Up, and Visual Intelligence.

Following a July 8 hearing, a judge granted signed preliminary approval to the settlement proposal last week. The court rejected objections claiming the settlement improperly grouped class members with differing claim values.

For iPhone users, the settlement means a share of the $250 million will be paid out to those who purchased eligible Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone models between June 10, 2024—the announcement date of the features—and March 29, 2025, shortly after the delay announcement.

The eligible devices include the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Legal fees will reduce the total amount available, with payouts to iPhone users expected to be approximately $25 per eligible device. However, this figure depends on the number of claims submitted; a higher number of claims could lower the payout, while fewer claims could increase it up to a maximum of $95 per device.

Currently, eligible users do not need to take any action. Notices inviting claim submissions will be distributed within 45 days of the preliminary approval, no later than August 31, 2026.

Claimants will be required to provide proof of device purchase, such as a serial number, along with Apple Account information and phone number. Verita Global, the Settlement Administrator, will establish a website for submitting claims, though it is not yet operational.

The final approval hearing for the payout distribution is scheduled for September 29, 2027, with payments expected to be issued at least 60 days afterward.