Apple is pushing back hard against a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. that claims the company engaged in false advertising regarding the phased rollout of its highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features. The lawsuit, filed earlier this year by consumers, specifically targets the delay of two key, personalized Siri capabilities. The company heavily advertised them with the iPhone 16 models released last year.
Apple argues lawsuit over delayed Siri AI features is too sweeping, ask for dismissal
In a recent motion filed to dismiss the case, Apple argues the entire lawsuit should be tossed out. The company’s core argument is that the complaint is based on a misunderstanding of the launch timeline. They say the plaintiffs are focusing only on the “timing” of just two features: Siri Personal Context Awareness and Siri In-App Actions. Apple originally teased these personalized capabilities at WWDC 2024. However, in March there was a delay, and the arrival date changed to “next year.” Possibly both will be part of the iOS 26.4 update.
Apple states the delay was necessary to ensure the features “meet Apple’s high quality standards.” The company emphasizes that a limited postponement of these two specific capabilities cannot support the broad claims of false advertising made by the plaintiffs.
The core of the complaint
The lawsuit centers on the plaintiffs’ claims that they never would have purchased Apple’s iPhone 16 —or would have paid a reduced price—had they known the features would not be available at launch. They specifically highlight the promises surrounding Siri In-App Actions. They would enable complex, multi-step voice commands within apps and “Personal Context Awareness.” This personalized feature is the most significant, allowing Siri to understand context from across a user’s apps (Mail, Messages, Calendar). For example, a user could ask Siri about a person’s flight and lunch reservation plans based on information scattered across those apps.
Apple counters that the buyers still benefited significantly from the purchase. The company highlights that the plaintiffs continue to use their devices and have received numerous hardware improvements, including enhanced silicon, upgraded displays, and better cameras—none of which are defective. Furthermore, the two delayed features will still arrive for all users at no additional cost through software updates.
Features already delivered
The tech giant also wants credit for the functionality it has shipped. Apple points to more than 20 Apple Intelligence features that have rolled out since last fall. The list includes Writing Tools, Smart Replies, Genmoji, Image Playground, and Priority Notifications. The company describes these as “groundbreaking and transformative” updates.
Apple stressed that it made it clear “from the outset” that the Apple Intelligence features would be “ delivered over time and continue to evolve ” as the phased rollout progressed. By requesting a full dismissal, Apple hopes to stop the litigation before it moves into the costly discovery or trial phases. The outcome of this case will be a significant test. Will Apple be held responsible for the delay in AI features shipping? Only time will tell.
