Apple just got caught making promises it could not keep — and now it is paying $250 million to make it right.
If you bought an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 between June 2024 and March 2025, you may be entitled to a payout of $25 to $95 per device from one of the largest AI false advertising settlements in US history.
Here is everything you need to know — who qualifies, how much you could get, and exactly how to claim it.
💡 Did you know? The settlement covers approximately 36 million devices sold in the US. That means tens of millions of iPhone buyers may be eligible — and most of them do not know it yet. AutoCut
What Did Apple Actually Do Wrong?
The lawsuit said that Apple "promoted AI capabilities that did not exist at the time, do not exist now, and will not exist for two or more years." Kapwing
That is a remarkable statement. Apple did not just overpromise. According to the lawsuit, it saturated the internet, television, and other airwaves to cultivate a clear and reasonable consumer expectation that these transformative features would be available upon the iPhone's release. Kapwing
The story starts at WWDC 2024. Apple unveiled a dramatically upgraded Siri — one powered by Apple Intelligence, capable of understanding context, taking real actions on your phone, and integrating with third-party apps. The ads were everywhere. The promise was clear: buy the iPhone 16, get the AI.
What buyers actually got was the same Siri they had always had. The advanced features were quietly delayed — then quietly buried.
💡 Did you know? The National Advertising Division eventually stepped in and recommended Apple stop using the "available now" claim for these specific AI tools — a rare regulatory rebuke for the world's most valuable company. AutoCut
Are You Eligible? Check These 3 Things
You qualify if ALL three of the following are true:
1. You are a US resident The settlement only covers US buyers. International iPhone purchases do not qualify.
2. You bought one of these devices:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
3. You bought it in this window: If you purchased an iPhone 16 and certain models of iPhone 15 between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025 you may be entitled to compensation. Choppity
Not sure which model you have? Go to Settings → General → About → Model Name. If it says any of the above, you are in.
How Much Will You Get?
Class action members stand to receive $25 per eligible device, with that figure potentially rising to $95 depending on the number of approved claimants. Resound
Here is the math in plain English: the $250 million is divided among everyone who files a valid claim. The fewer people who claim, the more each person gets — up to $95. The more people who claim, the closer it drops to the $25 floor.
Our advice: file your claim as early as possible. Early filers get priority processing and the best chance at the higher payout tier.
💡 Did you know? The $250 million non-reversionary common fund means unclaimed money does not go back to Apple. Any amount not paid to claimants goes to other purposes — which means filing your claim is the only way to get your share. Choppity
How to Claim Your Money — Step by Step
Step 1 — Wait for your email Notices to those eligible to make a claim will start to receive email notices no more than 45 days from today. Check the inbox associated with your Apple ID. Podsqueeze
Step 2 — Gather your proof To submit a claim, you'll need to provide proof of your purchase of an eligible device, such as a serial number, Apple Account information, and phone number. Kapwing
Find your serial number: Settings → General → About → Serial Number. Screenshot it now.
Step 3 — Visit the settlement website In a few weeks, the link to the settlement administrator website will be available. We will update this article the moment it goes live. Bookmark this page. Choppity
Step 4 — Submit your claim before the deadline The court hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2026. Claims will need to be submitted before that date. We will update this article with the exact deadline as soon as it is confirmed.
The Bigger Story — Why This Matters Beyond the Money
This settlement is about more than $250 million. It is a landmark moment in the AI advertising era.
While competitors like Microsoft and Google moved quickly, Apple struggled with quality issues and delays. The promise of Apple Intelligence was Apple's biggest bet in years — and by the company's own admission through this settlement, it oversold what it could deliver. AutoCut
For consumers, this sets a precedent. Tech companies can no longer advertise AI features as "available now" when those features are months or years away. The National Advertising Division's intervention, followed by this $250 million settlement, signals that AI false advertising has real legal consequences.
For Apple specifically, the timing is painful. The company is still trying to catch up in AI while simultaneously paying out hundreds of millions for overpromising features it never delivered.
What Apple Says
Apple agreed to settle the case in December, and the full settlement terms are now available. As part of the settlement, Apple is not admitting any wrongdoing. The company continues to assert that "it acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, and laws." Kapwing
In a statement, Apple said it resolved the lawsuit so it could stay focused on delivering innovative products and services.
Key Dates — Save These
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| June 10, 2024 | Start of eligible purchase window |
| March 29, 2025 | End of eligible purchase window |
| Within 45 days of May 6 | Eligible buyers receive email notices |
| June 17, 2026 | Court fairness hearing |
| Coming soon | Settlement website goes live — claim deadline TBC |
✅ TechPopDaily Verdict
If you bought an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 during the eligible window, filing a claim costs you nothing and takes less than 10 minutes. There is no reason not to do it. The only question is how much you will receive — and that depends on how many people file. Bookmark this page. We will update it the moment the claim portal goes live and the deadline is confirmed. This one is simple: check your model, check your purchase date, claim your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhones are covered by the Apple Siri settlement? The settlement covers the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max — purchased in the US between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025.
How much money will I get from the Apple settlement? Eligible users will get between $25 and $95 per device, depending on how many people actually file a claim. The more people who file, the closer the payout gets to the $25 floor. Filing early gives you the best chance at the higher tier. AutoCut
Do I need to do anything right now? Not immediately. The settlement is not yet final, and there is no way for people to make claims yet. Watch for an email to your Apple ID address within the next 45 days, and bookmark this page for the claim portal link. Aivolto
Is Apple admitting it lied about Siri AI? No. As part of the settlement, Apple is not admitting any wrongdoing. Settling a class action lawsuit is standard legal practice — it does not require an admission of fault. Kapwing
What if I no longer have the iPhone I bought? You may still be eligible. Keep any purchase receipts, order confirmation emails, or Apple account records showing the device purchase. The serial number from your Apple account history should be sufficient.
