Story perspectives

Apple Settles $250M, Offers Up to $95 Per iPhone

5/9/2026

Summary

Apple Settles iPhone Refund

Apple Inc. agreed to a $250 million settlement that may pay up to $95 per iPhone.
The settlement covers about 37 million iPhones bought from June 10 2024 to March 29 2025, all iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max models.
Eligible owners will receive roughly $25 per device, up to $95 based on claims.
Apple denied wrongdoing but said it settled to stay focused on innovation.
A claims website will launch in weeks, notifying consumers by email or mail.

Summary

Apple AI Scam

iPhone owners said they were scammed after learning the advertised AI features on the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone 16 are not functional.
Social media users expressed disappointment, saying the marketing created false expectations for the devices.
Consumer advocacy groups warned the alleged façade could erode trust in Apple’s future product announcements.
Legal analysts noted lawsuit’s focus on falsely advertised Siri and AI capabilities reflects concerns about marketing practices.

Summary

Apple Hearing Set

Preliminary approval hearing set for June 17, 2026, 9 a.m., San Jose.
U.S. District Judge Noël Wise will preside, giving class members 90 days to file a claim after notice.
The Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division urged Apple to change “available now” claims because they implied all features were launch-ready.
Apple said it has already added Visual Intelligence and Live Translations.

History

Historical Context

After the EPA issued a violation notice to Volkswagen in September 2015, revealing defeat-device software in about 11 million diesel cars and prompting a $4.3 billion penalty, regulators intensified scrutiny of deceptive automotive claims—a pattern dating back to 1996 GM fines. That heightened oversight now frames Apple’s $250 million settlement over false AI advertising before Judge Noël Wise.

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Apple Settles iPhone Refund

Apple Inc. agreed to a $250 million settlement that may pay up to $95 per iPhone.
The settlement covers about 37 million iPhones bought from June 10 2024 to March 29 2025, all iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max models.
Eligible owners will receive roughly $25 per device, up to $95 based on claims.
Apple denied wrongdoing but said it settled to stay focused on innovation.
A claims website will launch in weeks, notifying consumers by email or mail.

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