Apple is facing a lawsuit for allegedly misleading consumers through false advertising by failing to deliver certain features of its Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence platform within the promised timeframe. Filed in the U.S. District Court in San Jose by Clarkson Law Firm, the lawsuit claims that Apple’s marketing led many consumers to purchase the iPhone 16 and other devices under the impression that these AI features were already available.
“Apple’s advertising created a clear and reasonable expectation in consumers that these transformative features would be available upon the release of the iPhone,” the lawsuit states. The plaintiffs are seeking class action status, arguing that Apple’s aggressive promotion of Apple Intelligence led to increased sales and higher device prices.
Claims of Limited AI Capabilities
According to the lawsuit, Apple’s promotion of Apple Intelligence features “created unprecedented excitement” among potential buyers. Apple’s marketing strategy was allegedly aimed at persuading consumers to upgrade their devices at premium prices. However, the lawsuit contends that, contrary to Apple’s claims of advanced AI capabilities, the actual products offered only a significantly limited or even completely absent version of Apple Intelligence, misleading consumers about the true usefulness and performance of these features.
The plaintiffs noted that Apple had removed YouTube ads promoting a more personalized Siri assistant. Nevertheless, they argue that the company “failed to rebut all such false claims,” leaving many consumers unaware that the advertised features would not be immediately available.
Apple Faces Development Challenges
Recent reports have indicated that iOS 19 is not expected to introduce radical innovations, as the integration of new AI features into Siri has been delayed, potentially until next year, adds NIX Solutions. This delay has become another challenge for Apple, which continues efforts to launch the promised Apple Intelligence capabilities.
According to TechCrunch, the lawsuit adds to the company’s ongoing difficulties. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly “lost confidence in the ability of AI chief John Giannandrea to deliver on product development.” As a result, Mike Rockwell, head of the Vision Pro development team, has been appointed as the new head of Apple’s AI division.
We’ll keep you updated as more details about the lawsuit and Apple Intelligence rollout become available.