Technology companies are facing growing attention over how new features are presented to consumers, especially as artificial intelligence becomes a major selling point for devices. The launch of Apple Intelligence on recent iPhone models has led to a legal dispute, and eligible customers can now submit claims as part of a $250 million settlement.
Eligible iPhone Owners Can Submit Settlement Claims
The claims process has opened after a court-approved agreement involving allegations that Apple overstated the availability of certain AI features when promoting some iPhone models.
Customers who may qualify for compensation can now visit SmartphoneAISettlement.com and provide their information to confirm eligibility. The claims window opened on September 21, 2026, and will close on December 21, 2026.
Eligible customers may also receive notices by email or mail from Verita, the settlement administrator responsible for managing the process. The expected payment is estimated to range between $25 and $95 per eligible device, depending on the number of approved claims and other settlement conditions.
Which iPhone Models Are Included?
The settlement applies to certain iPhone models purchased between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. Eligible devices include:
| iPhone Model | Included in Settlement |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | Yes |
| iPhone 16E | Yes |
| iPhone 16 Plus | Yes |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Yes |
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are included because they had the hardware capabilities required to support Apple Intelligence features. Around 36 million customers are estimated to be potentially eligible for the settlement.
Lawsuit Focused on Apple Intelligence Advertising
The legal action was brought by Clarkson Law Firm and focused on claims that Apple’s marketing created expectations about AI features that were not available when some devices first launched.
Apple promoted Apple Intelligence during the introduction of the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, highlighting future AI capabilities, including a more advanced version of Siri.
When the devices became available, Apple Intelligence features were not fully released. Some features arrived later through software updates, including Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Writing Tools, Genmoji and Clean Up.
The proposed settlement stated that Apple allegedly encouraged customers to buy devices based on expectations surrounding enhanced Siri capabilities that were not immediately available.
Apple has denied wrongdoing and agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims. The company said it wanted to remain focused on developing products and services for users.
Settlement Payments Expected After Final Approval Process
The settlement process includes several legal steps before payments are distributed. The court granted preliminary approval on July 17, and later decisions adjusted the timeline for final approval proceedings.
Once the required verification process is complete and final approval is granted, payments are expected to be issued within a 60-day period after the final approval timeline begins. The exact payment date will depend on court procedures and any possible delays.
AI Features Continue to Shape Consumer Expectations
The case highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the technology industry and the challenges companies face when introducing new features. As AI becomes a central part of smartphone marketing, consumers are paying closer attention to whether advertised capabilities are available at launch or arrive later through updates.
For eligible iPhone users, the current settlement provides an opportunity to submit a claim before the December deadline.
