Quick Answer: Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action alleging it advertised Apple Intelligence AI features for certain iPhone models before those features were actually available. Owners of iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max purchased between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025 may be eligible for about $25 per device. The claim deadline is December 21, 2026. File at SmartphoneAISettlement.com.
Key Takeaways
- Apple is paying $250 million to settle allegations it advertised AI features that weren’t yet available on newer iPhone models
- Eligible devices: iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- Eligible purchase window: June 10, 2024 through March 29, 2025
- Estimated payment: about $25 per device (maximum $95 per device)
- Claim deadline: December 21, 2026
- Official claim site: SmartphoneAISettlement.com or aplsconnect.com/smartphoneaisettlement
What the Apple AI Lawsuit Is About
When Apple unveiled its “Apple Intelligence” features in 2024, the company positioned them as a core reason to buy the newest iPhone models. Ads and product pages promoted AI-powered Siri upgrades, smart writing tools, and other intelligence features and consumers bought those phones expecting to get them.
The problem, according to a class action lawsuit, was that most of those features were not available when the phones shipped. Buyers paid a premium for capabilities that hadn’t been delivered.
The case, Landsheft v. Apple Inc. (No. 5:25-cv-02668), was filed March 19, 2025. It accuses Apple of violating consumer protection law, including Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, by inducing consumers to buy iPhones based on features that didn’t exist yet. The lawsuit proposed a nationwide class of U.S. buyers who purchased qualifying devices during the period Apple was marketing those AI features.
Apple denied any wrongdoing. The company argued that Apple Intelligence features were rolled out over time through software updates, which it said was made clear in its marketing. The parties reached a $250 million proposed settlement, and the court granted preliminary approval on July 17, 2026.
Which iPhone Models Are Covered?
The settlement covers U.S. residents who bought any of the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
The purchase must have been made in the U.S., not for resale, and between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025.
Standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are not included in the settlement.
How Much Will You Receive?
The estimated payment is about $25 per eligible device. The actual amount may be higher or lower, depending on how many valid claims are submitted.
The settlement caps the maximum payout at $95 per device. If very few people file claims, payments could reach that cap. If a large number of people file, the per-device amount drops.
Each qualifying device you purchased during the eligible period counts separately. If you bought two qualifying iPhones, you may file a claim for each.
How to File Your Apple Settlement Claim
Claim deadline: December 21, 2026 Online filing: aplsconnect.com/smartphoneaisettlement Settlement website: SmartphoneAISettlement.com
Steps to file:
- Visit SmartphoneAISettlement.com or aplsconnect.com/smartphoneaisettlement
- Enter the claim ID and PIN from the settlement notice sent to you by email or mail
- If you did not receive a notice, the settlement website may allow you to self-identify
- Alternatively, download the PDF claim form from the website and mail it before the December 21, 2026 deadline
You do not need a lawyer to file. The claim process is designed for individuals to complete on their own.
What Happens With Apple Intelligence Now?
Apple has continued rolling out Apple Intelligence features through software updates. As part of the settlement, Apple agreed to deliver the marketed Siri and AI features in future updates at no additional cost to customers.
This means settlement class members who purchased eligible iPhones will receive both a cash payment and the features originally promised, just later than advertised.
Timeline of the Apple iPhone AI Settlement
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 10, 2024 | Start of eligible purchase window |
| March 29, 2025 | End of eligible purchase window |
| March 19, 2025 | Lawsuit filed |
| July 17, 2026 | Preliminary approval granted |
| December 21, 2026 | Claim deadline |
| TBD | Final approval hearing |
Common Questions About the Apple Settlement
What is Apple Intelligence and why did it cause a lawsuit?
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s suite of on-device AI features, including a smarter Siri, writing tools, image generation, and notification summaries. Apple began advertising these features heavily when it announced the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 lineup in 2024. The lawsuit alleged that Apple used these not-yet-available features to sell phones, constituting deceptive advertising under consumer protection law.
I bought my iPhone 16 in October 2024. Am I eligible?
If your purchase falls between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025, you are within the eligible window. An October 2024 purchase of an iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max would qualify for the settlement.
What if I bought my iPhone outside the U.S.?
The settlement covers U.S. purchases only. International buyers are not part of this class action.
I didn’t get a settlement notice. Can I still file?
Visit SmartphoneAISettlement.com to check your eligibility and see if you can self-identify as a class member. Settlement notices are sent based on Apple’s purchase records, and not everyone may have received one.
Do I need the original receipt to file?
The claim form will ask you to confirm your purchase. Having your original Apple receipt, order confirmation, or credit card statement will help support your claim, particularly if you are self-identifying rather than responding to a notice.
What if I already sold or traded in my iPhone?
The settlement focuses on the original purchase, not current ownership. If you bought a qualifying device during the eligible period and experienced the absence of advertised AI features, you may still be eligible even if you no longer own the phone.
Is $25 worth the effort to file?
That is a personal decision. The filing process takes around 10 minutes online. If you bought multiple qualifying iPhones, your total could be $50 or more. And the final payout may be higher than $25 depending on total claims filed.
Will Apple be required to change how it advertises features?
The settlement does not explicitly require Apple to change its advertising practices beyond delivering the promised features. The case was resolved through cash payment and the commitment to release the AI features at no extra charge.
Summary
The Apple $250 million settlement resolves claims that the company overpromised on AI features when selling iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. If you bought a qualifying model between June 2024 and March 2025, you can file a claim for about $25 per device, with a potential maximum of $95, before the December 21, 2026 deadline. File at SmartphoneAISettlement.com.
Check your purchase records, gather any confirmation emails, and file before the holiday deadline. With a $250 million fund and likely millions of eligible buyers, payments will be pro-rated based on participation.
This page will be updated as the final approval hearing is scheduled and payment details are confirmed.
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