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Apple Sets Up $250 Million Settlement Over Unfulfilled Siri AI Promises
By Drooid · · How we work
Apple Announces $250 Million Siri Settlement
A class-action lawsuit alleging that Apple marketed “Apple Intelligence”-powered Siri features that were not available on certain iPhone models has led to a proposed $250 million settlement fund. The agreement received preliminary court approval on July 17 2026. The settlement will be finalized only after a court hearing scheduled for 2027, after which payments may be issued to eligible claimants.
Eligibility Criteria for Claimants
The settlement covers seven iPhone models: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Owners of the regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are excluded. To qualify, a claimant must have been the original purchaser, bought the device in the United States between June 10 2024 and March 29 2025, and used it for personal or business purposes rather than resale. Claimants must also certify that they expected the advertised Siri AI capabilities at the time of purchase and did not receive them.
Claims Process and Potential Payments
The claims period opened later in 2026 and runs through the end of the year. Interested parties can file a claim through the official settlement website, providing contact details, proof of purchase, and the device’s serial number. The settlement sets a baseline payment of $25 per eligible device, but the final amount could rise to as much as $95 per device if fewer valid claims are submitted, or fall below $25 if many claims are filed. Administrative costs, attorneys’ fees and other court-approved expenses will be deducted from the $250 million fund. Payments will be processed only after the court gives final approval and any appeals are resolved.
Official Responses
Apple states that it “did nothing improper or unlawful” and denies the plaintiffs’ allegations. The settlement administrator has indicated that, assuming the court’s final approval, payments will be issued after the settlement becomes effective.
Potential Impact on Consumers
The settlement underscores the risk for consumers when manufacturers promote future software capabilities as a reason to purchase new hardware. Eligible iPhone owners who file a claim now may secure a share of the fund, but actual payouts could be delayed until after the 2027 court decision.