iPhone users may have to wait over a year before seeing payment as part of a class-action lawsuit involving iPhones 15 and 16.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued preliminary approval in early July of a class-action settlement in a case alleging that Apple deceived customers over artificial intelligence enhancements in new iPhones in 2024. In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle the case.

The lawsuit accuses Apple of touting new AI technology, including Siri enhancements, while advertising the iPhone 16 at the time; however, the device did not contain the features when it was released, according to court filings. Apple denied the allegations in the lawsuit.

As the case continues to move through the courts, here’s why Apple customers may have to wait longer before they see any cash.

What is the Apple class-action lawsuit about?

Peter Landsheft of California brought the lawsuit against Apple in March 2025. Several other plaintiffs have since joined the case.

The lawsuit alleges that Apple falsely advertised AI enhancements for its iPhone 16, announced in September 2024. The allegations stem from a slew of AI features known as Apple Intelligence, which the company launched in 2024, according to the complaint obtained by USA TODAY.

The plaintiffs accuse Apple of promoting a “dramatically enhanced Siri” as the focal point of the new Apple Intelligence technology.

But Apple Intelligence and the so-called enhanced Siri did not exist when the iPhone 16 launched, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit alleges that Apple “deceived millions of consumers into spending hundreds of dollars on a phone they did not need, based on features that do not exist.”

Apple denied the claims, according to filings. The company also said it has delivered more than 20 Apple Intelligence features and plans on rolling out additional Siri Apple Intelligence features in future software updates.

Why do Apple customers have to wait longer for their money?

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted preliminary approval of the class-action lawsuit during a July 8 hearing, according to court documents. The settlement must now receive the green light during a final approval hearing, scheduled for Sept. 29, 2027, according to court documents.

If the court approves the settlement next year, the group eligible for payment must be notified and given an opportunity to submit, opt out of or object claims. Only then can payments be made.

Who’s eligible for payment in the Apple settlement?

Apple and the consumers agreed to settle the case for $250 million. The settlement received preliminary court approval and now awaits a final ruling by a judge.

If approved in a final ruling, the group eligible for payment includes anyone in the United States who purchased an eligible device during a certain period:

• Eligible devices: iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Time period of purchase: June 10, 2024 to March 29, 2025

How much money can you get from Apple settlement?

Customers eligible for a payment from the Apple settlement are slated to receive $25 per eligible device if the settlement is approved, according to filings. That total could increase to $95 per device, dependent on the number of approved claims.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.