Yesterday, emails went out to all customers who ordered a 3G-enabled iPad on or before June 7, 2010:

If you purchased or ordered an iPad with WiFi + 3G on or before June 7, 2010, you could be entitled to $40 from Apple under a class action settlement.

Note the use of the word “could”.

You may be entitled to a $40 payment from Apple under a settlement that has been reached in class action lawsuits titled In re Apple and AT&T iPad Unlimited Data Plan Litigation. The United States District Court for the Northern District of California authorized this notice. The Court will have a hearing to consider whether to approve the settlement so that the benefits may be provided.

You may be entitled to a $40 payment. Here’s the claim:

The lawsuits claimed that iPad 3G purchasers were not provided with access to an “unlimited” data plan in the manner originally advertised. Apple and AT&T deny all allegations and are entering into this settlement to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

And here’s the kicker:

You must submit a valid Claim Form by February 3, 2014. The Claim Form will require you to affirm that the ability to switch in and out of the “unlimited” data plan was a factor in your decision to purchase an iPad 3G.

I’ve seen this sort of language before, but I always find it a bit odd. I need to affirm that the ability to switch in and out of the unlimited data plan influenced my decision to buy an iPad 3G.

I can honestly say, I would have bought an iPad no matter what. I guess there’s no $40 for me. Ah, well. Wonder who gets my $40.