A federal court has approved a $250 million settlement resolving a class action lawsuit that alleged Apple misrepresented the capabilities of its Siri voice assistant and delayed promised Apple Intelligence features. The agreement, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, requires Apple to provide monetary relief to eligible iPhone purchasers while maintaining its position that no wrongdoing occurred.

The settlement stems from claims that Apple advertised forthcoming Apple Intelligence features as part of the iPhone 15 Pro and later models during its June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, only to postpone their rollout. Plaintiffs argued this created a false impression of imminent functionality. Under the terms, Apple will distribute payments to individuals who purchased qualifying devices between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, in the United States.

Verita Global, appointed as settlement administrator, will manage claims through a dedicated portal. Eligible devices include iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Claimants must submit their contact details and device serial numbers by December 21, 2026. Payment options include check, PayPal, Venmo, or ACH transfer.

The cash payment amount varies based on claim volume. While the settlement anticipates $25 per device, the final figure could range up to $95 if fewer claims are filed than projected. Legal fees and administrative costs will be deducted from the settlement pool before distributions occur. Final approval of the agreement is scheduled for September 29, 2027, with initial payments expected to begin at least 60 days thereafter.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of technology companies' pre-release marketing practices, particularly regarding artificial intelligence features. Similar litigation has emerged across the industry as firms race to deploy generative AI capabilities while managing public expectations. The settlement does not include an admission of liability but establishes a framework for resolving the dispute without protracted litigation.

Individuals who believe they qualify for compensation can begin the claims process immediately through the administrator's website. The deadline for submission remains fixed at the end of 2026, regardless of when final approval is granted.