09_June_DD_Apple’s $95 Million Settlement

Apple Siri Settlement: Who Can Claim the $95 Million Payout?

In one of the most high-profile privacy cases in recent years, Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve allegations that Siri recorded users without their consent. The Apple Siri settlement stems from claims that the voice assistant “accidentally recorded” users, capturing private conversations and sharing them with third-party contractors.

You may be eligible for a payout if you’ve used an Apple device with Siri enabled over the past decade. Here’s everything you need to know: from what triggered the lawsuit to who qualifies and how to claim your share before the deadline. 

What led to the Apple Siri lawsuit settlement? 

In 2019, multiple reports suggested that Siri was listening even when it wasn’t supposed to. The issue? Accidental activations.

Users claimed Siri often turned on during private conversations, without any prompt. To make matters worse, Apple admitted it hired contractors to review voice clips to improve Siri’s accuracy. That meant strangers could hear snippets of users’ sensitive conversations. Public backlash followed quickly. 

One of the lawsuits, filed by Fumiko Lopez in California, claimed that Apple violated privacy laws by storing and reviewing these voice recordings without user consent. Her case became a focal point of the Apple Siri privacy lawsuit settlement. Apple denied any wrongdoing.

However, the company agreed to a $95 million payout to resolve the matter and avoid a prolonged trial. 

Who can claim money from the Apple Siri settlement? 

You are entitled to compensation if the following applies to you: 

  • You lived in the United States or its territories 
  • You used a Siri-enabled device between 17 September 2014 and 31 December 2024 
  • Siri was turned on during that time 
  • Siri was activated unintentionally during a private or confidential conversation 

Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, HomePods, Apple TVs, and iPod Touches. If you meet all of these conditions, you can submit a claim under the Apple Siri lawsuit settlement. 

How much can you receive in the Siri eavesdropping lawsuit payout? 

Each eligible user can claim up to $20 per device, with a maximum of five devices, up to $100 total. However, the final payout may be smaller depending on how many people file claims.

After deducting legal fees and administrative costs, the firm will distribute the remaining $95 million settlement fund to approved claimants.

How to claim your Apple Siri settlement payout 

Filing your claim is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps: 

Step Action Details 
1 Visit the official site Go to voiceassistantsettlement.com 
2 Click “Submit Claim” Start the process from the homepage 
3 Have a notice? Enter your Claim ID and Confirmation Code (from email/postcard) 
4 No notice received? Click on “Submit a New Claim” 
5 Fill out the form Provide your name, email, address, and number of Siri-enabled devices 
6 Provide proof (if asked) Upload receipts, serial numbers, or purchase confirmations 
7 Confirm Siri misuse Swear under penalty of perjury that Siri activated during private chats 
8 Submit before the deadline Final submission date: 2 July 2025 
9 Track your claim Get email confirmation and monitor progress via the portal 

What happens next? 

A final court approval hearing is scheduled for 1 August 2025. If the settlement is approved, payments will be processed shortly afterward.

Claimants will have the option to receive their compensation via cheque, PayPal, direct deposit, or e-check. However, if any appeals are filed, the payout timeline may be extended. All updates regarding the settlement status and disbursements will be posted on the official claims website. 

The broader impact of Apple’s Siri privacy settlement 

While Apple did not admit fault, the company faced mounting public concern over digital privacy. Settling the case was likely a strategic move to protect its brand reputation and avoid courtroom scrutiny.

In response to the controversy, Apple introduced several privacy-focused changes to Siri. It discontinued human audio reviews by default, introduced opt-in consent for voice improvement programmes, and shifted more voice command processing directly onto devices, minimising exposure to external servers. These updates reflect Apple’s evolving approach to user data and now form part of its broader privacy promise. 

For users, this settlement is more than just a financial payout. It reinforces a growing expectation that tech companies must handle personal data responsibly. While the compensation may be modest, the legal outcome sets an important precedent. Users are demanding and deserve clearer policies, better transparency, and real control over their digital privacy. 

What does this mean for voice assistants going forward?

This case may prompt other tech giants to revisit how they handle voice data. Companies like Amazon (Alexa) and Google (Assistant) are already under pressure from privacy advocates and regulators.

As smart devices become more common, stronger laws around consent, transparency, and data retention are likely on the horizon. The Siri eavesdropping lawsuit payout may just be the start of a much bigger wave of reform. 

Distilled  

If you’ve used a Siri-enabled Apple device between 2014 and 2024, you may be eligible for compensation. The process is simple. The deadline is 2 July 2025. This Apple Siri settlement marks more than a payout. It reflects growing awareness and demand for digital responsibility in a voice-driven world. Privacy isn’t optional anymore; it’s expected. 

Avatar photo

Meera Nair

Drawing from her diverse experience in journalism, media marketing, and digital advertising, Meera is proficient in crafting engaging tech narratives. As a trusted voice in the tech landscape and a published author, she shares insightful perspectives on the latest IT trends and workplace dynamics in Digital Digest.