Apple agrees to pay $95 million to settle claims that its voice assistant Siri recorded users without permission, with eligible device owners able to claim up to $100 in compensation.
Top Takeaways
- Apple users who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may be eligible for up to $20 per device (maximum 5 devices).
- The lawsuit alleged Siri activated without consent, recording private conversations and potentially sharing them with third parties.
- Claims must be submitted by July 2, 2025, with required device information or proof of purchase.
- Apple denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid costly litigation.
- Payments will be issued approximately 90 days after the final approval hearing on August 1, 2025.
Settlement Details and Eligibility
Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding unauthorized recordings made by its voice assistant Siri. The settlement covers U.S. residents who owned or purchased Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and experienced unintended activations during private conversations. Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Mac computers, HomePods, iPod touches, and Apple TVs.
The lawsuit, filed in 2019, claimed that Siri could be activated without users’ consent, recording private conversations and sharing them with third parties. Examples included recordings of confidential discussions and targeted advertisements appearing after conversations near Siri-enabled devices. Despite settling the case, Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing, choosing to resolve the matter to avoid the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation.
If Siri has ever been activated on your Apple device without your consent, you may be eligible to receive part of a $95 million settlement reached in a class action lawsuit.https://t.co/B7wxhwSEji
— KOIN News (@KOINNews) May 4, 2025
Compensation and Claim Process
Under the settlement terms, eligible claimants can receive up to $20 per qualifying device, with a maximum of $100 per person (5 devices). To file a claim, users must visit the official settlement website at https://www.lopezvoiceassistantsettlement.com or submit their claim by mail. The claim process requires providing the device’s serial number and model name or submitting proof of purchase documentation.
Claims must be submitted by July 2, 2025. After submission, claimants can choose their preferred payment method, including digital payment, paper check, or direct deposit. The $95 million settlement fund will cover administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, service awards, and payments to approved claimants. Users who prefer to retain their right to sue Apple individually can opt out of the settlement by the same July 2, 2025 deadline.
Privacy Concerns and Apple’s Response
The lawsuit highlighted significant privacy concerns regarding smart devices in our homes and pockets. Plaintiffs alleged that Apple violated privacy laws by obtaining and potentially sharing private communications through unintended Siri activations. The suit claimed that these activations occurred without the standard “Hey Siri” wake phrase, capturing conversations users never intended to share with Apple or third parties.
In response to these concerns, Apple has implemented improved privacy protections for Siri. The company no longer retains audio recordings of Siri interactions unless users explicitly opt in to its improvement program. This settlement represents a small fraction of Apple’s annual profits but addresses potential liabilities the company might have faced if found guilty of widespread privacy violations in court.
Timeline and Next Steps
The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 1, 2025. If approved, payments will be issued approximately 90 days afterward. The settlement administrator, Angeion Group, will handle all claims processing and distribution of funds. Users seeking additional information or assistance with the claims process can contact the administrator directly through the settlement website.
For Apple device owners, this settlement offers an opportunity to receive compensation for potential privacy violations. However, it also serves as a reminder of the privacy implications of voice-activated technology that has become increasingly integrated into our daily lives. With the claim deadline set for July 2, 2025, eligible users should gather their device information and submit their claims promptly to ensure they receive their share of the settlement.
