May 6, 2026, 1:03 p.m. ET
Some iPhone owners could be eligible for a payout from a class action lawsuit that Apple agreed to settle this week.
The tech giant has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a case that alleged it deceived consumers over artificial intelligence enhancements in new iPhones in 2024.
The lawsuit accused Apple of touting new AI technology, including Siri enhancements, while advertising the iPhone 16 at the time, but the device did not contain the elements when it was released, according to court filings.
Apple denied the allegations in the lawsuit. The company said in a statement to USA TODAY that it resolved the suit in an effort to continue “delivering the most innovative products and services to our users.”
Both sides agreed to settle the case, per a May 5 filing. The agreement will now have to be approved by a judge before payments can be sent to consumers. Here’s what to know.
What is the Apple class action lawsuit about?
Peter Landsheft, a California man, initially brought the lawsuit against Apple in March 2025. Several other plaintiffs have since joined the case.
The lawsuit alleged that Apple falsely advertised AI enhancements to its iPhone 16, which was announced in September 2024. The allegations stem from a slew of AI features known as Apple Intelligence, which the company launched in 2024, according to the complaint.
The plaintiffs accused Apple of promoting a “dramatically enhanced Siri” as the focal point of the new Apple Intelligence technology.
But the Apple Intelligence and so-called enhanced Siri did not exist when the iPhone 16 launched, per the complaint.
The lawsuit alleged Apple “deceived millions of consumers into spending hundreds of dollars on a phone they did not need, based on features that do not exist.”
Apple denied the claims, according to filings. It also said it has delivered more than 20 Apple Intelligence features and plans on rolling out additional Siri Apple Intelligence features in future software updates.
Who’s eligible for payment in the Apple settlement?
Apple and the consumers agreed to settle the case for $250 million. A court now has to approve the agreement before payments can be distributed; a court hearing is scheduled for June.
If approved by the court, the settlement class, or the group eligible for payment, includes anyone in the United States who purchased an eligible device during a certain time period:
- Eligible devices: iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Time period of purchase: June 10, 2024 to March 29, 2025
How much money can you get from Apple settlement?
People who are eligible for a payment from the Apple settlement are slated to get a payout of $25 per eligible device if the settlement is approved, according to filings.
Depending on the number of approved claims, that total could increase to $95 per device.
Do you have to file a claim in Apple settlement?
A settlement administrator website – where more details on submitting claims will be provided – is expected soon, according to Clarkson Law Firm, which is representing consumers.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
