Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit in British Columbia, Canada, over claims that it misled consumers about the AI capabilities of the iPhone 16 series. The lawsuit, filed in B.C. Supreme Court, alleges that Apple’s marketing suggested advanced AI features were available at launch, when in reality, they were still in development.
The case, reported by the Vancouver Sun, states that Apple only added a disclaimer clarifying the delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence after March 7, 2025, following public criticism.
Allegations: Fraud, False Advertising & Breach of Contract
The lawsuit names both Apple Canada and its parent company, Apple Inc., as defendants and accuses the tech giant of:
- False Advertising – Misrepresenting AI features in the iPhone 16 lineup.
- Breach of Contract – Selling a product that did not deliver what was promised.
- Unjust Enrichment – Profiting from misleading claims.
According to the filing, Apple’s AI-powered Siri upgrade and other promoted AI tools were absent at launch and may not be available until 2027.
Lead Plaintiff: iPhone Buyer Paid for Non-Existent AI Features
The lead plaintiff, Travis Paivarinta, bought an iPhone 16 Pro Max for $1,799 CAD in Abbotsford, B.C., believing it included the promised AI capabilities. Months later, those features still haven’t launched.
“In the race for AI market share, Apple misled consumers into believing the iPhone 16 had features that, according to company insiders, may never arrive,” states the lawsuit.
Compensation: Who’s Eligible for a Refund?
If the court certifies the class-action suit, anyone in Canada who purchased an iPhone 16 before March 7 could be eligible for compensation ranging from $17.50 to $150, depending on the number of claims filed.
Apple’s History of Lawsuits Over iPhone Claims
This lawsuit echoes previous legal battles, including:
- The iPhone Battery Lawsuit – Apple settled claims that it secretly slowed down older iPhones to preserve battery life. Many Canadians are still waiting for their payouts from that case.
- The App Store Monopoly Case – Apple has faced multiple lawsuits over anti-competitive practices related to its App Store policies.
Will Apple Be Held Accountable?
As of now, Apple has not responded to the lawsuit or provided any statement on the case. The tech giant may attempt to dismiss the claim or settle out of court to avoid further scrutiny.
The iPhone 16 AI lawsuit is shaping up to be another high-profile legal battle for Apple in Canada and the U.S. If the claims are proven in court, it could damage Apple’s reputation and lead to millions in refunds for consumers.
