Apple’s Siri Lawsuit Could Put Cash Back in iPhone Owners’ Pockets

CBS News, USA Today, FOX Business, the Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.

Bought a newer iPhone expecting smarter Siri features? You might be getting some money back.

Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement over claims it oversold its artificial intelligence upgrades – specifically around Siri – and now millions of users could be eligible for payouts of up to $95 per device.

The case centers on how Apple marketed its so-called “enhanced” Siri features. According to the lawsuit, those upgrades were heavily promoted as part of the company’s push into AI, but weren’t actually available when certain iPhones hit the market. Plaintiffs argued that customers ended up paying premium prices based on features that didn’t exist yet.

Apple, for its part, denied any wrongdoing. The company says it settled to move on and stay focused on building new products. Still, the deal could rank among its bigger consumer settlements if a judge signs off.

Here’s where things stand.

The settlement covers US customers who bought specific models – including iPhone 16 versions and the iPhone 15 Pro lineup – between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. In total, about 37 million devices fall into that window.

If you’re eligible, you won’t need to guess. Notices are expected to go out by email or regular mail, and there’ll be a website with full details once the process officially opens.

The base payout is set at $25 per device. That number could climb depending on how many people file claims, but it won’t go above $95 per phone.

So yes, don’t expect a windfall – but it’s not nothing either.

For now, not much. The claim process isn’t live yet. Lawyers behind the case say a dedicated site with instructions is coming in the next few weeks. That’s where you’ll submit proof of purchase and file for compensation.

The complaint argued Apple leaned heavily into its “Apple Intelligence” push, spotlighting a more advanced, conversational Siri as a headline feature. The catch: those capabilities weren’t ready at launch.

Consumers said that gap mattered. Some claimed they wouldn’t have upgraded – or wouldn’t have paid as much – if they’d known the features would arrive later via updates.

Apple says it has since rolled out dozens of AI-related tools across its devices, with more on the way.

A judge still needs to approve the settlement before any money goes out. A hearing is expected in June. If it gets the green light, payments will follow after claims are processed.

Zoom out, and the case taps into a bigger trend. Tech companies are racing to sell the promise of AI, often before everything is fully baked. That’s starting to draw scrutiny – and, in some cases, legal pushback.

For iPhone owners caught in the middle, the takeaway is simple: keep an eye on your inbox.