Apple has opened the claims process for a $250 million settlement involving customers who purchased selected iPhones after the company promoted advanced Siri and Apple Intelligence features that did not arrive as originally expected.
For eligible customers, the payment is expected to be around $25 for each qualifying iPhone. Depending on the number of valid claims received and deductions from the settlement fund, the payment could rise to a maximum of $95 per device or fall below the estimated $25 amount.
However, there is one major restriction readers should understand before attempting to apply: this settlement is limited to people living in the United States who purchased an eligible iPhone in the United States during the specified period.
Buying an iPhone in India, even if it is one of the listed models, does not make a customer eligible for this settlement.
Why Is Apple Paying iPhone Customers?
The settlement follows a US class-action lawsuit concerning Apple’s promotion of new artificial intelligence features in 2024.
Apple presented several advanced Siri capabilities during its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, 2024. These included Siri’s ability to understand information stored across a user’s device, recognise what was displayed on the screen and perform more detailed actions within applications.
The company subsequently promoted compatible iPhones around Apple Intelligence and the promise of a more personalised Siri experience. The lawsuit alleged that these advertisements created a reasonable expectation that the highlighted features would be available to customers purchasing the devices.
The iPhones were released without some of the most heavily promoted Siri capabilities. Apple later announced that the personalised Siri features would take longer to develop.
Customers behind the lawsuit alleged that they paid a higher price for compatible iPhones based partly on AI functions that were unavailable or delayed. Apple denied misleading customers and has not admitted to doing anything unlawful.
The company nevertheless agreed to establish a $250 million settlement fund to resolve the case and avoid the costs and uncertainty of continuing litigation.
Who Is Eligible to Claim the Apple Settlement?
A customer must satisfy all the main eligibility conditions. Merely owning an iPhone is not sufficient.
To qualify, the claimant must:
- Currently reside in the United States
- Be the original purchaser of the eligible iPhone
- Have purchased the device in the United States
- Have bought it between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025
- Have purchased it for personal or business use, not for resale
- Submit a valid claim by December 21, 2026
Siri AI Settlement Website Now Live: Apple to Pay Some iPhone Owners https://t.co/Vf9J5dnTRv pic.twitter.com/NKJeJYX4Jc
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) September 21, 2026
The settlement covers both individual buyers and organisations that purchased qualifying devices for business use.
Which iPhone Models Are Included?
The following models are included in the settlement:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Older models such as the iPhone 14 series are not included. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are also excluded because they were not compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Newer iPhones purchased after March 29, 2025, do not qualify under the stated settlement conditions.
Can iPhone Users in India Apply?
No, an iPhone purchased in India does not qualify.
The official conditions say that the claimant must live in the United States and must have purchased the eligible device in the United States. Therefore, Indian customers who purchased their phones through an Apple Store, authorised reseller, online platform or telecom retailer in India cannot claim this payment.
An Indian citizen may potentially qualify only if the person meets the actual class requirements, including residing in the US and purchasing the eligible device there during the covered period. Citizenship alone is not the deciding factor.
Readers should be careful with social media posts suggesting that every iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 owner worldwide will receive money. That claim is incorrect.
How Much Money Can an Eligible Customer Receive?
The expected payment is approximately $25 per eligible device.
The final amount has not been guaranteed. It will depend on factors such as:
- The number of valid claims submitted
- Settlement administration expenses
- Taxes and legal costs
- Court-approved attorneys’ fees
- Other authorised deductions from the fund
If fewer people submit valid claims than anticipated, the payment could increase. The maximum available payment is $95 for each eligible device. If the number of accepted claims is higher than expected, the per-device payment may fall below $25.
This means headlines claiming that every eligible customer will definitely receive $95 are misleading. The $95 figure is a maximum, not a guaranteed payout.
How to Apply for the Apple Siri AI Settlement
Eligible customers can file their claims through the official Smartphone AI Settlement website.
The process involves the following steps:
- Visit the official settlement website.
- Select the File a Claim option.
- Choose whether the device was purchased by an individual or a business.
- Enter the requested claimant and contact details.
- Provide the eligible iPhone’s information.
- Select an available payment method.
- Review the information carefully and submit the form.
- Save the confirmation for future reference.
Some eligible customers may receive an email or postal notice containing a claim ID and PIN. Those details can make it easier to locate the customer’s information.
The official website also provides an option for people who believe they qualify but have not received a notice. Receiving an email is therefore not necessarily the only way to submit a claim.
What Information May Be Needed?
Claimants should keep the following information ready:
- Claim ID and PIN, if provided
- Full name and current contact information
- Eligible iPhone model
- Device serial number
- Apple Account email address
- Phone number associated with the device
- Purchase information or supporting documentation, if requested
- Preferred payment method
Customers can find their iPhone serial number by opening Settings, selecting General, tapping About and locating Serial Number.
The serial number may also appear on the phone’s original packaging, receipt or purchase invoice.
Claimants should enter their information only through the official settlement website. Messages asking for an upfront fee, Apple Account password, device passcode or banking login credentials should be treated as suspicious.
What Is the Deadline to Submit a Claim?
The claims period opened on September 21, 2026.
The final deadline to submit an online claim is December 21, 2026. Paper claims must be postmarked by the same date.
December 21 is also the deadline for eligible class members who want to object to the settlement or formally exclude themselves from it.
Missing the filing deadline could mean losing the right to receive a settlement payment.
When Will Eligible Customers Receive Their Money?
Payments will not be distributed immediately after a claim is submitted.
A final approval hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2027. During this hearing, the court will decide whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate.
Payments can generally begin only after the settlement receives final approval and any appeals or administrative requirements are resolved. Eligible customers should therefore not expect an instant payout after completing the form.
The settlement website should be monitored for official updates regarding approval and payment dates.
This Is Not the Earlier Siri Privacy Settlement
This $250 million case should not be confused with Apple’s earlier $95 million Siri privacy settlement.
The earlier case concerned allegations that Siri activated unintentionally and captured private conversations. Its claim deadline passed in July 2025.
The new settlement concerns allegations that Apple promoted advanced Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities that were delayed. It has different eligibility requirements, different qualifying devices and a different claim deadline.
What iPhone Owners Should Do Now
US residents who purchased an eligible iPhone in the US between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025 should check their purchase date, device model and serial number.
They should also search their email inbox and spam folder for any notice concerning the Smartphone AI Settlement. Even without a notice, potentially eligible customers can visit the official website and review the claim process.
Customers outside the US should not submit false information in an attempt to qualify. Settlement claims are legal declarations, and providing inaccurate details could result in rejection or other consequences.
Apple has denied the lawsuit’s allegations. The settlement does not represent a court finding that Apple broke the law. It provides a process through which qualifying customers may receive compensation if the settlement obtains final approval.
