Some iPhone owners may be eligible for payouts from a class action lawsuit that Apple agreed to settle this week.
The tech giant has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a case that alleged it deceived consumers over artificial intelligence enhancements in new iPhones due in 2024.
The lawsuit accused Apple of promoting new AI technology, including Siri enhancements, when advertising the iPhone 16 at the time, but according to court filings, the device did not include those elements when it was released.
Apple denies the allegations in the lawsuit. The company said in a statement to USA TODAY that it resolved the case in an effort to continue “providing the most innovative products and services to our users.”
According to the May 5 filing, both parties agreed to settle the case. The agreement now must be approved by a judge before payments are sent to consumers. Here’s what to know.
What is the Apple class action lawsuit about?
Peter Landschaft, a California man, initially filed the lawsuit against Apple in March 2025. Several other plaintiffs have since joined the case.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple falsely advertised AI enhancements in its iPhone 16, which was announced in September 2024. According to the complaint, the allegations stem from AI features known as Apple Intelligence, which the company launched in 2024.
The plaintiffs accused Apple of promoting a “dramatically enhanced Siri” as the centerpiece of new Apple Intelligence technology.
But according to the complaint, Apple Intelligence and so-called advanced Siri were not present when the iPhone 16 launched.
The lawsuit alleged that Apple “deceived millions of consumers into spending hundreds of dollars on phones they didn’t need, based on features they didn’t need.”
According to the filing, Apple denied the claims. It also said it has provided more than 20 Apple Intelligence features and plans to introduce additional Siri Apple Intelligence features in future software updates.
Who is eligible for payment in the Apple settlement?
Apple and Consumers agreed to settle the case for $250 million. The court must now approve the settlement before payments can be distributed; A court hearing is scheduled for June.
If approved by the court, the settlement class, or group eligible for payments, includes anyone in the United States who purchased an eligible device during a certain time period:
- Eligible Devices: iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Procurement time period: 10 June 2024 to 29 March 2025
How much money can you get from the Apple settlement?
According to the filing, those who are eligible for payments from the Apple settlement will receive a payment of $25 per eligible device if the settlement is approved.
Depending on the number of claims approved, this total amount may increase to $95 per device.
Do you have to file a claim with Apple Settlement?
A settlement administrator website — where more information about submitting claims will be provided — is expected to arrive soon, according to the Clarkson law firm representing consumers.
Court approval is required before any payments are distributed. View the Settlement Administrator website once the claim details are launched.