If you’ve ever felt that your Apple device is listening a little too closely, you could be in line for compensation. Apple, the multinational technology company, is gearing up to disburse a staggering $95 million to settle claims that its voice assistant, Siri, was overly enthusiastic in listening to private conversations. While Apple has not accepted any wrongdoing, it has consented to compensate U.S. users up to $100 per household, as per court files submitted on December 13, 2024, in Oakland, California.
The settlement addresses accusations that Siri recorded conversations without being prompted by the “Hey Siri” wake word and may have stored and shared this data with advertisers—a claim Apple has previously denied.
For those interested in claiming a share of the $95 million settlement, here’s a breakdown of the process.
Eligibility for the settlement requires being a U.S. resident who owned one or more eligible devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. A claim must be submitted by May 15, 2025, and verified under oath that Siri activated without the user’s consent.
The website to lodge your claim is not yet live. Users will need to stay informed and refer to the official page to be considered once the site is activated, which is expected in less than 45 days.
A broad range of Apple devices are covered in the settlement, including iPhone 6 and newer models, iPads released since 2014, all generations of the Apple Watch, the HomePod and HomePod Mini, and MacBooks and iMacs produced since 2014.
The terms of the settlement allow users to receive $20 per qualifying device, with a cap of $100 per household for up to five devices. The final payout could potentially increase if fewer claims are made than anticipated. The legal team representing the plaintiffs will receive an approximate $30 million from the settlement fund.
The claims process will commence with the launch of the official settlement website, projected by February 2025. Users should prepare their device serial numbers or proof of purchase in advance. Once the site is live, claimants can fill out the online form, submit the required documentation, select their desired payment method, and submit their claim before the May 15 deadline.
The lawsuit originated from a 2019 exposé by The Guardian, which disclosed that Apple contractors frequently accessed private Siri recordings. The claims allege that contractors heard and potentially shared sensitive information such as medical appointments, business deals, and intimate moments with advertisers.
Despite the $95 million settlement, Apple reaffirms that it denies any wrongful conduct and that any Siri data collection is aimed solely at improving the service and remains anonymous.
In addition to the hefty payout, the settlement obligates Apple to confirm the permanent deletion of all Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019.
This settlement follows on the heels of growing concerns over AI-powered voice assistants and AI in general. Other tech giants have also been caught in the crossfire, with Google facing a similar class-action lawsuit in California, and Amazon agreeing in 2023 to a $25 million payout for privacy violations linked to its Alexa devices.
As these companies continue to develop their own generative AI models to enhance user experience, they insist on respecting and protecting user privacy. However, for those seeking extra reassurance, they could consider disabling Siri’s automatic activation—or refrain from using AI assistants altogether. In today’s digital world, this seems to be the reality we have to navigate.
