Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company misled consumers about the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of its iPhones. The lawsuit claimed that Apple advertised AI features, particularly enhancements to its Siri voice assistant, that were not available at the time of purchase and would not be for several years.
Key Takeaways
- Apple will pay $250 million to settle claims of misleading AI advertising.
- Eligible iPhone buyers in the US could receive between $25 and $95 per device.
- The settlement covers iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models purchased between June 2024 and March 2025.
- Apple denies any wrongdoing, stating the resolution allows them to focus on innovation.
The Allegations
The lawsuit accused Apple of false advertising, claiming the company promoted AI capabilities that did not exist at the time of sale and would not be available for a significant period. Plaintiffs argued that this marketing campaign was an effort to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Specifically, the enhanced Siri, marketed as a transformative personal AI assistant, was central to the claims, with buyers alleging it never materialised as promised.
Settlement Details
The settlement, filed in California federal court, does not involve any admission of wrongdoing by Apple. It applies to US consumers who purchased an iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. Each eligible claimant could receive between $25 and $95 per device, depending on the total number of claims filed. The settlement must still receive approval from a judge, with a hearing scheduled for June 17.
Apple's Response
An Apple spokeswoman stated that the lawsuit focused on "the availability of two additional features" within the broader Apple Intelligence rollout. The company reiterated its commitment to delivering innovative products and services, with the resolution allowing them to "stay focused on doing what we do best." Apple has introduced various features since the launch of Apple Intelligence, including Visual Intelligence and Live Translation, and has indicated that further Siri enhancements are planned for future software updates.