Apple settles Siri AI ad case with $250 million payment

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to resolve a class action lawsuit. The legal dispute centers on the company's promotion of Siri features that were not yet available in the United States when the phones launched. The settlement allows specific buyers to file for compensation without admitting fault.

The compensation structure offers a base payment of $25 for each eligible device. This amount can rise to a maximum of $95 per phone. The final payout depends on the total number of valid claims filed. It also accounts for administrative costs, taxes, and legal fees approved by the court. Therefore, the individual payout may be lower than the stated maximum.

The agreement covers U.S. residents who purchased specific iPhone models between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. Eligible devices include the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Claimants must be the original purchasers. The devices must have been bought for personal or business use, not for resale.

The lawsuit alleged that Apple promoted advanced Siri capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence that were not present when the phones went to market. Plaintiffs argued this marketing influenced their purchasing decisions. Apple accepted the settlement to avoid trial costs and risks. The company stated it resolved the matter to focus on providing products and services to users.

Ryan Clarkson, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, called the fund the largest deceptive advertising settlement in history. He made this statement to CBS News. Apple told Associated Press that it has denied committing irregularities. The company did not admit responsibility as part of the agreement.

Users must submit their claims by December 21, 2026. The process requires filling out a form on the official settlement website. Claimants must provide personal details and the serial number of the eligible iPhone. If an individual bought multiple qualifying devices, they must submit a separate form for each one. The serial number is located in the phone settings under General and About.

The Federal District Court for the Northern District of California will hold a final approval hearing on February 24, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. Judge Noël Wise will determine if the settlement meets the conditions for final approval. The court noted that appeals are possible. An appeal could delay the distribution of funds to claimants.

The settlement administrator has not set a confirmed date for when participants will receive their payments. The official site advises that benefits will be processed quickly if there are no appeals. Claimants can contact the settlement administrator with questions by calling 1-888-988-8945.