Apple is fighting a lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading customers about the rollout of Apple Intelligence-powered Siri features on the iPhone 16. The case, Landsheft v. Apple Inc., was filed earlier this year in California. It combines complaints from 69 plaintiffs who say they purchased iPhone 16 models in 2024 because Apple promoted advanced AI tools.
The lawsuit focuses on two delayed Siri upgrades—Personal Context Awareness and In-App Actions. Plaintiffs argue these features were advertised as major selling points but failed to arrive on schedule, creating false expectations.
Apple’s Defense Strategy
Apple has asked the court to dismiss the case, calling it an overreaction to two postponed features. The company points out that it delivered over 20 Apple Intelligence tools by the end of 2024, including smarter notifications, image editing, custom emojis, and enhanced Siri responses—all free of charge.
In its motion, Apple argues that the plaintiffs cannot prove they relied on specific promises before buying their phones. Instead, most cited ads, press reports, or Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. The company says such vague references fall short of the detailed proof required for fraud claims.
Apple also challenges other claims, such as breach of contract, warranty, and unjust enrichment. It insists that the iPhones functioned as intended and that most legal avenues cited by plaintiffs do not apply.
The Bigger Picture
This lawsuit highlights a common issue in the tech world: companies sell hardware today while promising software improvements tomorrow. When those updates are delayed, consumers may feel misled, even if most features arrive on time.
Apple Intelligence was pitched as a major step forward, putting Apple in competition with Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot. A legal fight over Siri delays risks undermining that vision.
What Comes Next
Judge Noel Wise will hear arguments on January 7, 2026, in San Jose. If Apple’s dismissal request is successful, the case ends quickly. If not, Apple could face a drawn-out battle that places its marketing practices under scrutiny.
For now, the question remains: are two delayed Siri features enough to take one of the world’s biggest tech companies to trial?
