Article Title: Apple Begins Distributing Payouts in $95 Million Siri Privacy Settlement
In early 2025, Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging unauthorized recordings of Siri interactions. This lawsuit, initiated in 2019, accused Apple of unlawfully and intentionally recording users’ conversations through its voice assistant, Siri. Although Apple denied any wrongdoing, the company chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation and to focus on enhancing user privacy.
Background of the Lawsuit
The controversy began when reports surfaced that Apple contractors were reviewing Siri recordings for quality control purposes. It was revealed that less than 1% of daily Siri activations were analyzed, and these were not linked to users’ Apple IDs. However, concerns arose over accidental activations leading to unintended recordings of private conversations. In response, Apple implemented changes, including requiring users to opt-in for Siri recordings used in quality evaluations and ceasing the use of third-party contractors for this purpose.
Settlement Details
The settlement covers U.S. residents who 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 MacBooks equipped with Siri. Claimants could submit up to five devices, with an initial estimated payout of up to $20 per device, capped at $100 per individual. However, the final payout amounts have been adjusted to approximately $8.02 per device, with a maximum of $40.10 per claimant.
Distribution of Payouts
As of January 2026, Apple has commenced distributing the settlement funds. Recipients who opted for direct deposit have reported receiving payments, while those who chose prepaid gift cards or checks should monitor their email inboxes and physical mail for notifications. It’s advisable to check spam or junk folders to ensure important communications are not missed.
Apple’s Commitment to Privacy
In the wake of the lawsuit, Apple has reinforced its dedication to user privacy. The company has stated that Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles or sold to third parties. Apple continues to develop technologies aimed at making Siri interactions more private and secure, emphasizing on-device processing to minimize data transmission.
Conclusion
The distribution of the $95 million settlement marks a significant step in addressing user concerns over privacy and data security. While Apple maintains its stance of denying any wrongdoing, the settlement and subsequent policy changes reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing user trust and safeguarding personal information.
