Earlier this year, Apple came to terms in a class-action lawsuit, committing to disburse $250 million among U.S. iPhone proprietors. Herein lies the process to claim your segment of this settlement.
Apple’s $250 million settlement addresses misleading claims about Apple Intelligence’s functionalities
In 2024, Apple unveiled its iPhone 16 series, touting a significantly improved iteration of Siri alongside a novel suite of tools under the banner of Apple Intelligence.
The company also conveyed intentions to extend similar functionalities to both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
However, a lawsuit alleged that these promised advancements not only failed to manifest but that Apple was aware of its inability to fulfill such expectations within the asserted timeframe.
Recently, an upgraded version of Siri was launched in beta—two long years after customers were initially told to anticipate it.
The class-action suit contended that Apple’s advertising tactics contravened consumer protection laws, drawing in consumers to purchase new iPhones predicated on non-existent features.
While Apple has not conceded any wrongdoing, it has consented to a settlement of $250 million to compensate those impacted. If you’ve procured an iPhone in recent years, you might qualify for a share.
Am I eligible for a portion of Apple’s $250 million class-action settlement?
However, not every U.S. iPhone owner qualifies for a claim to this settlement. To obtain a share of the $250 million, you must satisfy several stipulations:
- You must reside in the U.S. and have purchased your iPhone there (reselling it does not qualify).
- Your purchase must have occurred between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
- Your device must fall within the eligible categories, specifically either the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any of the iPhone 16 variants, including iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Employees or representatives of Apple are disqualified; however, this is a criterion most iPhone owners need not concern themselves with.
If you meet these qualifications, you might be entitled to a payout of approximately $25. This amount could vary based on deductions for legal expenses and the total number of claims submitted.
The lawsuit documentation indicates that there were approximately 37 million pre-orders for iPhone 16 devices during the inaugural weekend of availability, a figure that has continued to expand.
While your individual compensation may decrease, it holds the potential to increase, reaching a cap of $95.
How to submit a claim for Apple’s $250 million class-action settlement
To stake your claim from the settlement, navigate to the specialized website Smartphone AI Settlement. Simply click the “Submit Claim” button and complete the form, ensuring you select your preferred payment method.
Be prepared with your iPhone’s serial number for verification purposes. To locate it, access the settings on your iPhone, tap on “General,” then “About,” where you will find the serial number. You can also press and hold the number to copy it for ease of use.
The window for submissions closes on December 21, 2026, although prompt action is advisable to prevent forgetting. By making a claim, you agree to the settlement, precluding any future litigation against Apple concerning the identified issues.
December 21 also marks the deadline for opting out of the settlement. This option will forfeit your payout but maintain your right to initiate a personal legal challenge against Apple regarding the Siri and Apple Intelligence features for the implicated iPhones.
Should you take no action, you will not receive funds, yet remain bound to the settlement; thus, it is prudent to contemplate your decision presently.
When can you expect to receive your settlement payout from Apple?
Upon the receipt of all claims, a final hearing will occur on February 24, 2027, to ascertain the fairness of Apple’s settlement, with disbursements anticipated to follow thereafter.
Regrettably, this process may introduce delays, as payments generally extend over several months. While the funds may elude you during the Christmas season, there is hope for their arrival by Memorial Day.
Source link: Mashable.com.
