Paytm CEO Calls for Apple to Compensate Indian iPhone Users Over Delayed AI Features
Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has ignited a fresh debate regarding consumer rights in the technology sector. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the entrepreneur suggested that Apple should provide financial compensation to Indian iPhone users following the tech giant’s decision to delay the rollout of its highly anticipated, advanced Siri features.
Sharma’s call to action came as he shared a video by American tech journalist Joanna Stern, which details a $250 million class-action settlement involving Apple in the United States. Under the terms of this settlement, users who purchased specific Apple Intelligence-compatible devices between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, are eligible to claim a payout. Depending on the specifics of the claim, eligible users in the US could receive between $25 and $95.
“We, in India, should also get this money back!” Sharma posted, echoing sentiments of frustration among Indian tech enthusiasts who often feel sidelined when global companies roll out premium services and features in phases.
The Basis of the Global Dispute
The legal battle in the United States stems from concerns over marketing transparency. The lawsuit, initially filed by California resident Peter Landsheft in early 2025, argued that Apple promoted its new AI-driven Siri capabilities as a key selling point for its latest range of smartphones. However, the features were significantly delayed, leaving many consumers with hardware that did not perform as advertised during the launch window.
In the video shared by Sharma, Stern highlights promotional advertisements from Apple that showcased sophisticated Siri capabilities which were not functional at the time of the product’s release. For many, this gap between marketing and delivery constituted a breach of consumer trust, leading to the substantial settlement deal.
A Growing Consumer Rights Dialogue in India
Sharma’s demand has resonated with a segment of the Indian digital community, sparking a wider conversation about the lack of similar legal avenues for Indian consumers. Many users responding to the CEO’s tweet pointed out the structural challenges in seeking such corporate accountability within the country.
“As citizens, we often have short-term memory and don’t push for our rights. Even if we were to win a case, there is currently no infrastructure in place to facilitate such mass-payout systems,” one user noted in the comments. Others suggested that the rise of consumer advocacy platforms in the US could serve as a model for India, noting that the “reclamation” sector is becoming a serious business internationally.
What Happens Next?
While the call for compensation is gaining traction, the road to such a payout remains complex. In the US, the settlement process involves rigorous verification, and payments are not expected until well after a final approval hearing, which is currently slated for February 24, 2027. Once a judge determines the fairness and adequacy of the settlement, payments are projected to commence roughly 60 days later.
As of now, Apple has not issued an official response to the discourse surrounding the Indian market. For local users, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the global discrepancy in service delivery and the ongoing need for more robust consumer protection frameworks in the rapidly evolving Indian tech landscape.
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