Tech giant Apple has found itself at the center of a new legal battle after a class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in San Jose.
The suit accuses Apple of false advertising and unfair competition related to its much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features, which were heavily promoted as part of the iPhone 16 launch.
Background of the Lawsuit
According to the Cyber Security News Report, the lawsuit was lodged on March 19, 2025, claiming that Apple misled consumers by advertising artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements, such as an advanced version of Siri, that have yet to be implemented.
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Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, promising a suite of AI-driven tools designed to enhance user experience across its ecosystem.
Promoted features included a more personalized Siri with contextual awareness, an Image Playground for AI-generated images, and Genmoji.
However, Apple recently confirmed that some of these advanced capabilities, including the upgraded Siri, will not be available until 2026—well after the initial release timeline suggested by its marketing.
Consumer Complaints
The plaintiffs argue that Apple’s aggressive marketing campaigns created a reasonable expectation among consumers that these features would be available upon the iPhone 16’s release in September 2024.
According to the complaint, Apple’s products offered a significantly limited version of Apple Intelligence, misleading consumers about its actual utility and performance.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple continued promoting these features even after it became clear they would not meet the advertised timeline, driving excitement and encouraging upgrades at premium price points.
A notable advertisement featuring actor Bella Ramsey showcased Siri’s promised contextual abilities, which remain unavailable.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status and unspecified damages for individuals who purchased Apple Intelligence-capable devices, including the latest iPhones, iPads, and Macs, expecting the full suite of advertised AI features.
Filed by Clarkson Law Firm, the same group that previously sued Google and OpenAI, the case highlights growing scrutiny of Apple’s ability to deliver on its ambitious AI promises.
Apple faces criticism for lagging behind rivals like Google and Microsoft, whose AI offerings are already widely deployed.
The delay in Apple Intelligence has fueled speculation about internal challenges, including leadership changes within the company’s AI division. CEO Tim Cook has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of Siri’s AI development.
For now, Apple maintains that its phased rollout reflects a commitment to quality over haste.
The company has released some Apple Intelligence features, such as writing tools and notification summaries, with iOS 18.1 and 18.2 updates in late 2024. However, the more advanced Siri enhancements remain in limbo.
Apple has not yet responded directly to the lawsuit but is expected to contest the allegations vigorously.
The case underscores the pressure on tech companies to deliver on their marketing promises in a competitive AI landscape.
As the AI race heats up, consumers are increasingly watching how tech behemoths like Apple manage expectations versus actual delivery.
With Apple facing both legal and public scrutiny, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how tech companies market and roll out future AI features.
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