By Saying “Hey Siri” to an Apple device several times throughout the day is quite common for users. While the digital assistant can be helpful, it can also leave you feeling uneasy when it becomes activated without even asking for help. That was the scenario that led to a lawsuit against Apple as users reported a violation of privacy. Now, the company is offering a settlement payout to anyone who experienced the breach of confidentiality. Keep reading to find out if you’re eligible to file a claim for the Apple settlement payout for Siri devices and how much you could receive.
What is the Apple Siri settlement about?
In 2021, a lawsuit (Lopez v. Apple) was filed in a California federal court when users alleged that their private conversations were being recorded by Apple devices after they unintentionally activated Siri. The voice-enabled digital assistant is integrated in Apple devices and uses both voice recognition and processing to respond to requests, complete and provide information to its users.
The lawsuit also shares that those confidential or private communications obtained by Apple were also shared with third parties in some cases. In fact, there were users who had claimed they saw ads on their devices after discussing them out loud, reports USA Today. A 2019 article from The Guardian also revealed that third-party contractors frequently heard confidential information from people using their devices.
Though Apple denies all the allegations and has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to a $95 million settlement for current and former owners of its products.
Who is eligible for the Siri privacy lawsuit payout?
If you’ve purchased a Siri-enabled device in the last 10 years, you may be able to receive money from the settlement payout. You must have owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014 and December 31, 2024.
The eligible Apple devices included in the lawsuit:
- iPhones
- iPads
- MacBooks
- Apple Watches
- iMacs
- HomePod speakers
- iPod Touches
- Apple TV streaming boxes
Another key element of the settlement: you need to have experienced an unintended Siri activation while in the middle of a private conversation. Since there is no formal way to prove this, you are expected to swear under oath that this applies to you if you opt in.
What you can receive from the Apple payout?
The settlement allows eligible parties to submit claims for up to five Siri Devices that fall into the above categories. For each device, you could receive up to $20 in compensation from Apple.
However, the amount could increase or decrease depending on the number of class members who opt in, as well as the number of devices claimed. “The final amount will not be known until all claims are evaluated,” reads the settlement website.
How to file a claim
You may have received an email or postcard that includes a Claim Identification Code and a Confirmation Code to notify you about the settlement. If you didn’t, however, you can still file a claim if you believe you are an eligible member. Visit the “Submit a Claim” form and either enter the information you were provided or click “file a new claim” if you didn’t receive the notice in the mail.
In order to stay in the settlement class and receive a payment, you must fill out this form by the July 2, 2025 deadline. (This deadline also applies for excluding yourself from or objecting to the settlement).
It is not yet known when payments will be sent out, but the final settlement hearing is tentatively set for August 1. If it is approved and there are no appeals, payments will be sent out as soon as possible after the final hearing.
