Aug. 14, 2026, 12:33 p.m. ET
The wait for Apple customers to see payments from a class-action lawsuit involving iPhones 15 and 16 just got a few months shorter.
On Thursday, Aug. 13, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted permission to move a final approval hearing for the Apple settlement from September 2027 to February 2027, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY. The settlement is part of a class-action lawsuit alleging that Apple deceived customers about artificial intelligence enhancements in new iPhones in 2024. In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle the case.
The lawsuit accuses Apple of marketing new AI technology, including Siri enhancements, while advertising the iPhone 16 at the time. However, the device did not contain the features when it was released, according to court filings. Apple denied the allegations.
Here’s what to know about the ongoing lawsuit.
What is the Apple class-action lawsuit about?
Peter Landsheft of California brought the lawsuit against Apple in March 2025. Several other plaintiffs have since joined the case.
The suit alleges that Apple falsely advertised AI enhancements for its iPhone 16, 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 obtained by USA TODAY.
The plaintiffs accuse Apple of promoting a “dramatically enhanced Siri” as the focal point of the new Apple Intelligence technology.
But Apple Intelligence and the so-called enhanced Siri did not exist when the iPhone 16 launched, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit alleges that 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. The company 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.
How long will Apple customers have to wait for their money?
There is not yet an exact date on which Apple customers may receive their portion of the settlement.
The court granted preliminary approval of the class-action lawsuit during a July 8 hearing, according to court documents. The settlement must now receive the green light during a final approval hearing. Originally, this hearing was scheduled for Sept. 29, 2027, but on Aug. 13, the court approved a motion to move the hearing to Feb. 24, 2027.
If the court approves the settlement next year, the group eligible for payment must be notified and given an opportunity to submit, opt out of or object to claims. Only then can payments be made.
Who is eligible for payment in the Apple settlement?
Apple agreed to settle the case for $250 million. The settlement received preliminary court approval and now awaits a final ruling by a judge.
If approved in a final ruling, the group eligible for payment includes anyone in the United States who purchased an eligible device during a certain 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?
Customers eligible for a payment from the Apple settlement are slated to receive $25 per eligible device if the settlement is approved, according to filings. That total could increase to $95 per device, depending on the number of approved claims.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
