Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Delayed Siri Improvements

Apple is currently seeking to dismiss a class-action lawsuit that claims the company misled customers regarding the release of an enhanced version of its voice assistant, Siri, along with other artificial intelligence features. The new functionalities, initially scheduled for launch in spring, have been postponed until early 2026.

This delay has prompted multiple lawsuits from dissatisfied customers who argue that they purchased new iPhones based on the promise of advanced AI capabilities. Additionally, shareholders have raised concerns that the postponement could negatively impact Apple's stock performance.

The legal action, consolidated under case number 5:25-cv-02668-NW in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, encompasses several claims alleging false advertising. Plaintiffs assert that Apple's marketing led them to believe they would receive certain features that have yet to be delivered.

In response, Apple's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, stating that the delay of two specific features does not support the broader claims made by the plaintiffs. They emphasized that the company has successfully launched nearly two dozen AI features, such as Image Playground, writing tools, Genmoji, and AI-assisted notification prioritization. Apple's counsel further noted that the company had consistently communicated that the rollout of AI functionalities would occur gradually and that these features would continue to evolve over time.

Moreover, Apple highlighted that customers purchasing the iPhone 16 have already benefited from various enhancements, including camera improvements, advanced chip technology, and upgraded performance. The plaintiffs had cited an Apple television advertisement that showcased the new features as part of their argument. However, Apple contends that consumers could not have solely relied on the company's advertisements or marketing materials.

Furthermore, the company asserts that some of the claims made by the plaintiffs are based on statements not directly attributed to Apple. The legal representatives argue that the company's actions do not constitute unfair practices or illegal enrichment at the expense of customers, nor do they involve any breach of warranty. The future of the lawsuit remains uncertain, as the court has several months to decide whether to dismiss the case or allow it to proceed.