Apple's $250 Million Siri Settlement Now Accepting Claims
Qualifying iPhone owners may receive up to $95 per eligible device in a proposed class-action settlement.
Apple has begun accepting claims for its proposed $250 million settlement, addressing allegations that consumers purchased certain iPhones expecting advanced Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence that were not delivered during the class period. The company denies any wrongdoing.
Settlement Details
The lawsuit, Landsheft, et al. v. Apple Inc., is pending in federal court in Northern California. Apple agreed to the settlement fund to avoid further litigation. Preliminary court approval was granted on July 17, 2026, with a final approval hearing scheduled for February 24, 2027. This timing coincides with the September 2026 beta rollout of Apple's AI-enhanced Siri with iOS 27, which offers more contextual understanding and in-app actions.
Eligible iPhones and Purchase Dates
The settlement covers specific models: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are excluded. To qualify, purchasers must be the original owners, have bought the device in the United States between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, and have purchased it for personal or business use, not for resale. Claimants must also attest that they expected to receive certain Siri Apple Intelligence features at the time of purchase and did not receive them as anticipated.
Potential Payout
Each eligible device may receive an initial payment of $25. This amount could increase to as much as $95 per device if the number of valid claims is lower than anticipated. Conversely, if more claims are filed, the payment per device may fall below $25. The total settlement fund of $250 million will also cover administrative costs, attorney fees, and other court-approved expenses. Individuals can file claims for each eligible device they purchased. The final payout amount will be determined after all claims are counted and validated.
How to File a Claim
The claims period opened on September 21, 2026, and the deadline to file is December 21, 2026. Claims can be submitted through the official settlement website, smartphoneaisettlement.com. The claim form requires contact information and proof of purchase or ownership. Claimants may need their iPhone's serial number, which can be found in Settings > General > About, or on original packaging or purchase documentation.
Settlement Notices and Phishing Risks
Individuals who received an email or postcard notice are encouraged to file. The settlement website also states that those who believe they qualify but did not receive a notice can still submit a claim. Caution is advised regarding unsolicited text messages or emails containing claim links, as phishing scams are common during large settlements. It is recommended to navigate directly to the official settlement website.
Payment Timeline
Payments will not be issued immediately after claim submission. Following the final court approval hearing on February 24, 2027, and the resolution of any potential appeals, the settlement administrator will process payments. This could result in a significant delay between filing a claim and receiving compensation.
Action Required
Failure to file a claim if eligible means forfeiting any settlement payment. It also means remaining bound by the settlement's terms, which could impact the ability to pursue individual legal action related to the lawsuit's claims. The deadline to opt out of the settlement or object to its terms is also December 21, 2026. Those considering these options should review the official settlement notice carefully.
Apple has not yet commented on the settlement beyond its legal filings.