Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, eavesdropped on users’ private conversations without their consent. The settlement resolves claims dating back to 2019, which accused the tech giant of recording users even when Siri was not intentionally activated and, in some instances, sharing these recordings with third-party contractors.
The lawsuit, initially filed in a California federal court, gained traction after reports surfaced detailing how Apple contractors allegedly had access to sensitive audio recordings from Siri, including private medical details and personal conversations. Plaintiffs in the case claimed that these unintended recordings led to their private communications being obtained by Apple and potentially shared with third-party businesses, resulting in targeted advertising.
While Apple has agreed to the substantial settlement, the company vehemently denies any wrongdoing. In a statement on the settlement website, Apple asserts, “Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful.” The company maintains that Siri has been engineered with user privacy in mind from the outset and that Siri data has never been used for building marketing profiles or sold to any third parties for advertising purposes. Apple stated that the settlement was reached to avoid the burden and expense of lengthy litigation.
Who is Eligible for a Payout?
Millions of U.S. consumers who owned or purchased Siri-enabled Apple devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication may be eligible for a portion of the settlement.
Eligible devices include:
iPhones
iPads
Apple Watches
MacBooks
iMacs
HomePods
iPod Touches
Apple TVs Individuals who believe they qualify can file a claim online through the official settlement website until July 2, 2025.
How Much Can Individuals Receive?
Eligible claimants can receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, with a maximum of five devices per claimant, potentially reaching a total payout of $100. The final amount each individual receives may be adjusted depending on the total number of valid claims submitted.
How to File a Claim:
Many potential class members have reportedly received email from Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement or postcard notifications containing a Claim ID and Confirmation Code. These individuals can use this information to file a claim on the settlement website.
Those who believe they are eligible but did not receive a notification can still file a claim by selecting the “New Claim” option on the website. They will be required to provide their name, address, and potentially proof of purchase or serial numbers of their Apple devices.
Payment Timeline:
The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 1, 2025. Payments will not be distributed until after this hearing and any potential appeals process. The settlement website advises claimants to be patient as the processing of benefits will occur promptly if no appeals are filed. Claimants can choose to receive payments via physical check, e-check, or direct deposit when submitting their claim.
This settlement marks the end of a significant legal battle for Apple and underscores the growing public concern over data privacy and the functionality of voice-activated assistants. While Apple maintains its innocence, the substantial payout indicates the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on its user base
