Apple just got caught making promises it couldn’t keep, and now it’s writing a $250 million check. If you bought the right iPhone in the right window, some of that money has your name on it.
The tech giant has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing it of false advertising. The plaintiffs say Apple sold the iPhone 16 by hyping artificial intelligence features that didn’t actually work when the phones shipped.
Eligible buyers can pocket between $25 and $95 per device. Here’s what you need to know — and what to do right now so you don’t get left out.
1. What Apple’s accused of
Remember the slick ads in late 2024 promising a smarter, more personal Siri? The lawsuit says Apple sold the iPhone 16 based on AI features that weren’t ready — and in some cases, still aren’t.
Plaintiffs argued Apple sold millions of phones built around AI features that allegedly didn’t exist at launch and may not arrive for years. Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle anyway, saying it wants to stay focused on shipping products.
That’s how it usually works. Pay the fine, deny the crime.
2. Which iPhones qualify
The settlement covers seven specific models. If you bought any of these in the U.S., you may be eligible:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Notice what’s missing. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus aren’t on the list. Neither are older models. Only Apple Intelligence-capable devices made the cut because that’s the AI feature Apple was hyping.
3. The purchase window matters
To qualify, you must have bought an eligible iPhone between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Bought yours this year? Out. Bought it before the AI announcement in mid-2024? Also out. The window is narrow.
Per the Associated Press, the settlement covers roughly 37 million devices sold in the U.S. during that stretch. Dig out your receipt or pull up your Apple Account. You’ll need proof of purchase to file.
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4. How much money you can actually get
Each eligible iPhone is worth at least $25. Depending on how many people file claims, that number could climb as high as $95 per device.
And the more people who file, the smaller each slice gets. Fewer claimants, bigger checks. Lawyer fees and admin costs also come out of the $250 million pot before anyone sees a dime.
Translation? If you qualify, file. Don’t leave money on the table.
5. What to do right now
The settlement still needs court approval, with a hearing scheduled for June. Once approved, claim notices will go out within 45 days.
To file, you’ll need three things:
- Proof of purchase (a serial number works)
- Your Apple Account information
- Your phone number
A settlement administrator website is on the way. Until it goes live, watch for official notices. Claim sites tend to pop up overnight whenever a big settlement hits the news, and most are outright scams designed to harvest your personal info. Wait for the real thing.
The bottom line
Class-action settlements rarely make anyone rich. But $25 to $95 for filling out an online form? That’s a fair hourly rate by anyone’s measure.
If you’re not sure these things are worth the bother, here’s an honest look at when class actions actually pay off and when they’re a waste of your afternoon.
Apple sold a future that hadn’t been built. They got caught, and now they’re paying. If you’re owed money, claim it.
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