Apple Begins Distributing Payouts from $95 Million Siri Privacy Settlement
In early 2025, Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging the unauthorized recording of Siri interactions. This legal action stemmed from reports that Siri occasionally activated unintentionally, capturing private conversations without user consent. Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing but chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation.
Eligibility and Claims Process
To be eligible for compensation, individuals must have purchased a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and experienced unintended Siri activations. Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and other products equipped with Siri. Claimants were permitted to submit up to five devices, with an initial estimated payout of up to $20 per device, capping at $100 per individual.
Payout Distribution
As of January 2026, Apple has commenced distributing settlement payments. The actual payout amounts have been adjusted based on the number of claims submitted. Recipients are receiving approximately $8.02 per device, with a maximum total of $40.10 per claimant. Payments are being processed through various methods, including direct deposits, prepaid gift cards, and checks. Claimants are advised to monitor their email inboxes, including spam folders, and mailboxes for notifications regarding their payments.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit originated from a 2019 report by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple contractors were inadvertently overhearing private conversations due to unintended Siri activations. These activations occurred when Siri misinterpreted ambient sounds as its wake command, leading to the recording of conversations without user intent. Apple acknowledged that a small fraction of Siri interactions were used for quality control but emphasized that these recordings were not linked to user identities and were not utilized for marketing purposes.
Apple’s Response and Privacy Enhancements
In response to the controversy, Apple implemented several measures to enhance user privacy:
– Opt-In for Audio Grading: Users must now explicitly opt-in if they wish to allow their Siri interactions to be used for improving the service. This change ensures that users have control over their data and how it is utilized.
– In-House Review Process: Apple ceased the practice of using third-party contractors for reviewing Siri recordings. Instead, the company now relies on in-house personnel to handle this process, further safeguarding user privacy.
– On-Device Processing: To minimize data transmission, Apple has enhanced Siri’s ability to process requests directly on the device. This approach reduces the need to send voice data to external servers, thereby enhancing privacy and response times.
User Reactions and Next Steps
Recipients of the settlement have begun sharing their experiences online. For instance, one user reported receiving a settlement deposit via Cash App, advising others who filed claims to check their accounts. Such testimonials highlight the tangible outcomes of the settlement process.
For those who submitted claims and have not yet received payment, it is recommended to verify the status of their claim through the official settlement website or contact the settlement administrator for assistance.
Conclusion
The distribution of the $95 million settlement marks a significant milestone in addressing privacy concerns associated with unintended Siri activations. While Apple has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the settlement and subsequent privacy enhancements reflect the company’s commitment to user privacy and data security. This case underscores the importance of transparency and user consent in the development and deployment of voice-activated technologies.
