If you purchased one of Apple’s AI-ready iPhones with high hopes for an upgraded Siri, you might want to check your purchase date. There’s a proposed $250 million settlement regarding Siri, and eligible iPhone owners could file claims to receive some money back.
This case revolves around claims that consumers got certain iPhones believing they would benefit from advanced Siri features linked to Apple Intelligence, which weren’t delivered during the relevant time. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, they chose to settle rather than continue fighting in court.
Though $250 million sounds like a lot, it could mean around $25 to $95 per eligible device in your hands, depending on how many claims are filed. But there are specific requirements to meet, including the exact model and your purchase timing.
Why Apple settled
The lawsuit, called Landsheft, et al. v. Apple Inc., is ongoing in Northern California’s federal court. The allegations center on how Apple marketed Siri features that weren’t truly available. Although Apple has denied the claims, they opted to establish a settlement fund of $250 million rather than pursuing further litigation. A preliminary court approval arrived on July 17, 2026, with a final hearing set for February 24, 2027. This timing is notable since Apple just started introducing its new Siri AI with iOS 27 in September 2026.
The upgraded Siri has some new tricks, such as understanding personal context and following up on questions—all pretty neat, I would say.
Which iPhones qualify?
The settlement applies to specific models: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unfortunately, the regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus don’t qualify. To be eligible, you must be the original purchaser from the U.S., having bought the phone between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, for personal or business use—not for resale. Plus, you’ll need to affirm that you expected specific Siri features that never materialized.
What kind of payout can you expect?
The initial payment is $25 per eligible device, but it might change. If fewer claims are made, it could rise to $95, whereas more claims could reduce it below $25. The final payment will take into account administrative costs, legal fees, and other expenses deducted from the settlement fund. So, if you bought several qualifying iPhones, you can file claims for each—which could add up nicely. But, the exact final payment is still unknown until all claims have been validated.
How to file your claim
The claims process opened on September 21, 2026, and you can file through the official Smartphone AI Settlement website. The submission deadline is December 21, 2026. You’ll need to provide personal information and proof of your eligible purchase. It’s a good idea to have your iPhone’s serial number handy for this. You can find it in the Settings under General and About options.
Do you need a settlement notice?
According to the official site, you can file a claim if you’ve received a notice via email or postcard. But even if you haven’t, don’t think you’re automatically excluded. If you think you fit the criteria, it’s worth checking. Just be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails claiming to offer links for claims; it’s best to go directly to the official site.
Payment timeline
Don’t expect to see your payment immediately after filing. The final approval hearing is set for February 24, 2027, and if everything is approved and no appeals disrupt the process, payments will be made thereafter. Essentially, filing now locks in your claim before the deadline.
What if you do nothing?
If you qualify but decide not to take action, you won’t see any settlement money. Moreover, you’ll be bound by the settlement’s terms if it gets approved, which could restrict your ability to pursue your own claims against Apple. If considering exclusion, remember that December 21, 2026, is also the deadline for that.
Kurt’s takeaways
Apple certainly hyped its AI ambitions for Siri. If you bought one of these phones anticipating those features that just didn’t materialize, you’ve probably felt a bit let down. Now that Apple has agreed to this settlement, it’s an opportunity for eligible buyers to potentially recoup some costs. If your purchase aligns with the criteria, I suggest you take a few minutes to file a claim. Also, this serves as a reminder to really scrutinize what companies say about future software capabilities—what’s promised at launch can often differ from what you get on day one.
Did you buy an iPhone expecting Apple’s new AI-powered Siri? What do you think about potentially receiving $95 for the wait? Let us know your thoughts.
