APPLE OFFERS PAYOUTS IN $250M SIRI AI SETTLEMENT

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging false advertising over an AI-upgraded Siri, and eligible iPhone owners can now submit claims for a payout. Buyers in the United States who purchased an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model between 10 June 2024 and 29 March 2025 can file a claim on the settlement's website. Claimants must provide their name, contact details and the iPhone's serial number before the deadline of 21 December 2026. Payouts are estimated at $25 per eligible device, though the settlement website states this figure could rise to $95 depending on how many people file claims. Apple has denied any wrongdoing, and the settlement includes no finding of fault against the company.

The lawsuit, filed in March 2025, alleged that Apple created what court papers described as a "clear and reasonable consumer expectation" that AI features previewed at WWDC 2024 would launch alongside the iPhone 16. Instead, the iPhone 16 launched with more limited capabilities despite being marketed as "built for Apple Intelligence," according to the claim. Apple subsequently delayed the rollout of its AI-enhanced Siri, which only arrived with the release of iOS 27 this month. To file a claim, applicants must indicate whether they are claiming on their own behalf or for a company, and choose a payment method from cheque, PayPal, Venmo or a direct bank transfer. Those who bought more than one qualifying device during the eligible period can submit a separate claim for each one.

The settlement closes one strand of scrutiny over Apple's marketing of its delayed Siri overhaul, though the company maintains it did nothing improper. Claimants have until December 2026 to apply, giving eligible buyers over a year to come forward. The final payout per device will depend on the total number of claims submitted before that deadline. Apple has not commented further beyond its denial of the allegations in the case.