Apple Opens Claims for $250 Million Siri AI Settlement Covering iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Buyers

Apple has begun accepting claims from U.S. customers as part of a $250 million settlement resolving allegations that the company failed to deliver the AI-enhanced Siri features promised with recent iPhone models. Eligible buyers who purchased an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, can now file for compensation.

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The class action lawsuit centered on claims that Apple created a “clear and reasonable consumer expectation” for advanced AI capabilities integrated into Siri at the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup. Despite marketing the devices as “built for Apple Intelligence,” the AI-powered Siri features were delayed and initially limited in functionality upon release. Apple has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the settlement is not an admission of liability.

Claims opened on September 21, 2026, and must be submitted by December 21, 2026. To file, claimants need to provide personal details along with their iPhone’s serial number to verify eligibility through the official settlement website. The settlement fund is non-reversionary, meaning all $250 million will be distributed among claimants after deductions for administration, taxes, attorneys’ fees, and other expenses.

Each valid claim carries a presumptive payout of $25 per eligible device. However, depending on the total number of claims filed and allowable deductions, individual payments could increase up to a maximum of $95. The exact payout amount will be determined on a pro-rata basis once claims close and all expenses are accounted for.

This settlement is separate from Apple’s earlier $95 million Siri privacy settlement related to unintended activations. The current case specifically addresses the alleged delay or non-delivery of the AI Siri features that were heavily promoted during Apple’s June 2024 announcement of Apple Intelligence and the September 2024 iPhone 16 launch.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted preliminary approval of the settlement in July 2026. A final approval hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2027. Until then, no payments will be made and the settlement’s terms could still be subject to change.

Apple Intelligence, introduced in mid-2024, promised a personal intelligence system integrating generative AI with user context to enhance Siri’s capabilities. Features included improved language understanding, systemwide writing tools, and deeper app integration. However, some of these capabilities were rolled out later than expected, triggering consumer frustration and the subsequent lawsuit.

Consumers interested in submitting claims should visit the official settlement website before the deadline. Options for receiving payments include digital transfers or mailed checks, providing flexibility for claimants. While the settlement resolves the dispute without Apple admitting fault, it offers affected customers a chance to recoup some value for the delayed AI enhancements.