Apple may owe you money if you buy a iPhone 16 or iPhone 15I’m eager to try everything new Apple Intelligence features company previews at launch — features that didn’t arrive on time.
Depending on what Apple announces at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, you could end up seeing money before some of those features arrive.
Apple this week resolved a shareholder liability and agreed to pay $250 million to customers who purchased the iPhone 16 and other iPhone 15 models over a period of time. The lawsuit alleges that Apple misled customers by promising AI features that were not delivered when the new devices were made. Fees between $25 and $95 per eligible device are expected.
In a statement to CNET Managing Editor David Lumb, an Apple spokesperson said, “Apple has reached an agreement to resolve claims related to the availability of two additional features.
Why is there a case for Apple Intelligence?
When Apple announced its new iPhone 16 line of phones, it emphasized how AI features such as improved Siri which can act as an intelligent agent. When phones arrived, Apple Intelligence wasn’t ready; its first features didn’t arrive until iOS 18.1 five weeks later.
According to the proposed settlement, “Apple is alleged to have flooded the market with deceptive advertisements, luring consumers to purchase iPhones based on the promise of certain enhanced Siri features.”
Other Apple Intelligence features were shipped immediately after the launch of iPhone 16 and iOS 18, including Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Writing Tools, Genmoji again Clean up. But those weren’t the advanced features Apple highlighted.
Who is eligible for the $250 million settlement?
Customers who purchased one of the following devices between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, are eligible to receive a compensation payment:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16E
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are included because they have the processor and memory to use Apple Intelligence features.
It is estimated that there are approximately 36 million customers who are eligible for this compensation.
Watch this: What iPhone Users Really Want From the New Google-Powered Siri
How to claim your share of compensation
For now, you need to wait.
As specified in the agreement, Apple will provide a list of eligible customers and their contact information to the payment processor.
After the data is verified, the Verita company will send email and postal notifications to those customers directing them to the payment website. That site is not yet built. The deadline to file your claim will be 90 days after your notice arrives.
When can customers expect to receive a compensation payment?
According to the agreement, Apple must provide information about the affected customers within five days of the payment authorization, scheduled for June 17, 2026.
When data is provided and verified, a 45-day notice period begins to inform potential users that they are eligible for payment.
Actual payment of claims will occur within a 60-day window after final details, such as exclusions and objections, have been settled. That puts the first checks or deposits due sometime after September 2026, depending on court dates and possible extensions.
