Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $250,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that consumers did not receive promised Apple Intelligence-powered Siri features on certain iPhone models. The settlement resolves claims related to devices purchased between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.

The case, titled Landsheft v. Apple, Inc., is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in San Jose. Plaintiffs alleged that buyers of eligible devices expected specific AI assistant features that were not delivered during the class period. Apple denies any wrongdoing but has agreed to fund the settlement to resolve the litigation.

Eligibility and Claims

Settlement Class Members include all individuals who purchased an iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max in the United States for purposes other than resale. To be eligible, purchasers must have bought the device between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, and reside in the United States.

Eligible members may receive a cash payment from the $250,000,000 settlement fund. The fund will also cover court-approved costs and fees. Individuals must submit a complete claim form online or by mail by December 21, 2026, to receive payment. Those who do nothing will not receive a cash payment but will remain bound by the settlement terms, forfeiting the right to sue Apple for these specific issues.

Options for Class Members

Class members have three primary options before the deadline:

• Claim Payment: Submit a claim form to receive a portion of the settlement fund.
• Exclude Yourself: Opt out of the settlement to retain the right to sue Apple independently for the covered issues. Excluded members will not receive any settlement benefits.
• Object: Voice disagreement with the settlement terms without opting out. The court will consider objections during the fairness hearing, but objecting does not change the settlement terms or guarantee approval.

What the Numbers Show

The $250,000,000 settlement amount represents a significant financial outlay for Apple to resolve allegations concerning software feature delivery rather than hardware defects. This figure covers all eligible claims across multiple iPhone generations (iPhone 15 Pro series and iPhone 16 series), suggesting a broad scope of affected users. The allocation of funds must also cover legal fees and administrative costs, meaning the net amount available for individual claimants will be lower than the gross settlement value.

Next Steps

The court will hold a Final Fairness Hearing on February 24, 2027, at 9:00 am at the United States District Court in San Jose. At this hearing, the judge will decide whether to approve the settlement and the request for attorneys' fees and costs. If the court rejects the settlement, no benefits will be paid, and the lawsuit will continue.

For more information, class members can visit the settlement website or contact the Settlement Administrator.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has launched its iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models at higher price points, marking the first major product release under new CEO John Ternus. The move signals a strategic emphasis on the premium segment as the company prepares for its first foldable device.

Premium Pricing Strategy

The latest iPhone lineup prioritizes premium models, with the Pro and Pro Max variants hitting stores ahead of other iterations. According to CNBC, these devices carry higher launch prices compared to previous new-device models. Ternus described this approach as a significant bet on the premium segment, expressing confidence that it will yield positive returns.

Upgrade Cycle Outlook

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) analyst Wamsi Mohan maintains a Buy rating on Apple with a $370 price forecast. Mohan highlighted that richer U.S. carrier promotions, reaching up to $1,200 in incentives, could drive a robust iPhone upgrade cycle by helping consumers absorb higher device costs. The analyst cited capital returns, potential leadership in edge AI, and opportunities in new products and markets as key drivers.

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Competitive Landscape

In the broader smartphone market, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (OTC: SSNLF) reclaimed the top position with a 23% share of global smartphone shipments in the second quarter of 2026. Despite a 7% decline in the global smartphone market during the period, Samsung’s shipments increased 9% year over year. Counterpoint Research attributed this resilience to favorable pricing and competitive dynamics, noting that developed markets remained stronger due to greater exposure to premium devices.

Legal Update

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