In January 2025, Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant, Siri, inadvertently recorded private conversations through iPhones and other Siri-enabled devices. The lawsuit, which began in 2019, accused Apple of violating user privacy by activating Siri without user consent, capturing sensitive discussions, and sharing some of these recordings with third parties, including advertisers. With less than two months remaining to file claims—by July 2, 2025—this settlement offers eligible U.S. consumers a chance to receive compensation. Here’s everything you need to know about the settlement, eligibility, how to file a claim, and what this means for digital privacy.
Background of the Lawsuit
The legal saga started when a whistleblower revealed to The Guardian in 2019 that Apple contractors, tasked with quality control, regularly accessed recordings of private conversations captured by Siri. These recordings, triggered by unintended activations, included sensitive information like medical discussions and intimate interactions. The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple Inc., claimed that Siri’s accidental activations violated privacy laws, as users were unaware their conversations were being recorded and shared. The plaintiffs argued that Apple’s actions breached the sanctity of consumers’ homes, turning trusted devices into potential eavesdroppers.
Apple has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the $95 million settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The company emphasized that the settlement aims to resolve claims efficiently, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over digital privacy and corporate responsibility.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
The settlement applies to current and former owners or purchasers of Siri-enabled devices in the United States or its territories, purchased between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Eligible devices include:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- MacBook
- iMac
- HomePod
- iPod touch
- Apple TV
To qualify, you must have experienced an “unintended Siri activation” during a conversation intended to be private or confidential. You can claim compensation for up to five devices, with an estimated payout of up to $20 per device, though the final amount depends on the number of valid claims and devices submitted. Apple has notified potentially eligible users via email or postcards, including Claim Identification Codes and Confirmation Codes to simplify the process. However, even without these codes, you can still file a claim if you believe you meet the criteria.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is straightforward but requires action before the July 2, 2025, deadline. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official Settlement Website: Go to the Lopez v. Apple Inc. settlement website, where you’ll find the claim form and detailed instructions.
- Use Your Codes (if applicable): If you received an email or postcard from Apple, enter the Claim Identification Code and Confirmation Code provided. These codes streamline the process by verifying your eligibility based on Apple’s records.
- Complete the Claim Form: Provide details about your Siri-enabled devices and confirm that you experienced unintended Siri activations during private conversations. You must swear under penalty of perjury that your claim is accurate, though proof of ownership or specific incidents is not always required.
- Submit by July 2, 2025: Ensure your claim is submitted on time, as late submissions will not be accepted.
- Await Approval: The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 1, 2025. If approved, payments will be distributed after deducting court-approved attorneys’ fees, service awards, and administrative costs.
If you prefer not to participate, you can opt out or object to the settlement, but you must follow the instructions on the settlement website to do so.
What to Expect from the Payout
While the $95 million settlement sounds substantial, the actual payout per user may be modest. Estimates suggest up to $20 per device, capped at five devices, meaning a maximum of $100 per person. However, the final amount could be lower if many claims are filed, as the settlement fund will be divided among all valid claimants after expenses. For context, similar class-action settlements often result in smaller payouts due to high participation and administrative costs. Still, for many users, this is an opportunity to receive compensation for a privacy violation without the burden of individual litigation.
Implications for Digital Privacy
The Siri settlement underscores broader concerns about digital privacy in an era of ubiquitous smart devices. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are designed to make life convenient, but their always-on nature raises risks of unintended activations. The lawsuit highlighted how even tech giants like Apple, known for prioritizing user privacy, can face challenges in safeguarding sensitive data. The sharing of recordings with third-party contractors, as alleged in the lawsuit, also sparked debates about transparency and consent in data handling.
This case is part of a growing wave of privacy-related lawsuits against tech companies. For example, recent settlements involving cybersecurity breaches have offered payments ranging from $100 to $6,500, depending on the case’s scope. The Apple settlement, while smaller per claimant, signals that consumers are increasingly holding companies accountable for privacy lapses. It also prompts questions about how companies can balance innovation with robust privacy protections.
What’s Next for Apple and Consumers?
For Apple, the settlement closes a chapter on a five-year legal battle, allowing the company to focus on enhancing Siri and other technologies. Apple has already made changes to Siri’s functionality since the 2019 revelations, such as requiring explicit user consent for audio sharing and limiting contractor access to recordings. These steps reflect a broader industry trend toward stricter privacy standards in response to consumer and regulatory pressure.
For consumers, the settlement is a reminder to stay vigilant about the devices they use. If you own a Siri-enabled device, check your settings to ensure Siri is configured to your comfort level—such as disabling “Hey Siri” to prevent accidental activations. You might also consider reviewing Apple’s privacy policies to understand how your data is handled.
Insights
Apple’s $95 million Siri settlement offers eligible U.S. users a chance to claim compensation for alleged privacy violations, but time is running out. By July 2, 2025, you must file a claim to secure your share of the payout, which could be up to $100 for five devices. While the financial reward may be modest, the settlement highlights the importance of digital privacy and corporate accountability. If you’ve owned an iPhone, iPad, or other Siri-enabled device between 2014 and 2024, visit the Lopez v. Apple Inc. settlement website to check your eligibility and file a claim. In a world where smart devices are ever-present, this case serves as a wake-up call to demand transparency and control over our personal data.
Sources: NBC Los Angeles, The Guardian, Lopez v. Apple Inc. settlement website
