Apple Sued Over Missing AI Features in iPhone 16: False Advertising Claims Shake Tech Giant

Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Delayed AI Features in iPhone 16

Apple Inc. is confronting a legal challenge over alleged delays in delivering artificial intelligence (AI) features for its latest iPhone model. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in San Jose by Clarkson Law Firm, accuses the tech giant of false advertising and misleading consumers about the AI capabilities of the iPhone 16.

The legal action comes in the wake of Apple’s announcement regarding delays in Siri’s AI enhancements, which were initially expected to be a key feature of the iPhone 16. Led by customer Peter Landsheft and other iPhone 16 owners, the lawsuit alleges unfair competition, false advertising, and negligent misrepresentation.

According to the plaintiffs, Apple capitalized on growing consumer interest in AI technology without fulfilling its promises. The iPhone 16 was marketed as the first iPhone “built for AI,” with advertisements showcasing personalized Siri capabilities. However, these advanced AI features are currently only available on iPhone 15 Pro models or later.

The controversy stems from Apple’s introduction of “Apple Intelligence” at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2024. The company promised a range of AI-powered tools for writing, photo editing, and a more personalized Siri assistant. Despite these announcements, Apple Intelligence was not launched until October, after the release of the iPhone 16.

Industry analysts have criticized Apple’s failure to meet its own deadlines, with Benedict Evans noting the company’s unusual delay in delivering promised features. The situation has also prompted internal changes at Apple, with Bloomberg reporting that Mike Rockwell has replaced John Giannandrea in overseeing Siri development.

The lawsuit underscores the increasing pressure on Apple as competitors like Google, Meta, and Microsoft make significant strides in AI technology. Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee suggests that this delay could potentially impact Apple’s market value.

As of now, Apple has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The case highlights the growing challenges tech companies face in meeting consumer expectations for rapid AI advancements while navigating the complexities of developing and implementing these technologies.