Apple device users are beginning to receive payment as part of a $95 million settlement from a class-action lawsuit concerning alleged privacy violations by the Siri voice assistant. The lawsuit claimed that Siri recorded private conversations without consent and shared this data with third parties, a practice that sparked significant concern among users and privacy advocates.
As compensation, eligible claimants started receiving payments last Friday, with some reporting amounts around $40, according to Apple-focused news outlet 9to5Mac. The settlement came after years of scrutiny into Apple’s privacy practices, particularly following a whistleblower’s revelations in 2019. This whistleblower disclosed that contract workers were listening to recordings from Siri for quality control, raising red flags about user privacy.
While Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it has not engaged in improper or unlawful activity, it has made changes to its privacy policies in recent years. These adjustments included new requirements for users to opt-in for having their voice recordings reviewed for quality assurance.
The settlement relates to a lawsuit initiated in 2021 by a California resident and other consumers who argued that the company had been listening to confidential communications and leveraging this information for targeted advertising without user consent. Although Apple denied the allegations, a proposed settlement was reached in January 2025.
Eligible claimants who owned or currently own Siri-enabled devices—such as iPhones, MacBooks, or AppleTVs—could receive compensation if they experienced unintended Siri activations during private communications over the past decade. Claims had to be successfully filed between May and July of 2025 to qualify for a share of the settlement fund.
Online responses to the settlement payments have been mixed, with some individuals sharing their experiences on social media platforms, prompting others to check their accounts for potential payouts. An Apple spokesperson reiterated that Siri data has not been used for marketing purposes or sold to external parties.
Claimants were allowed to submit up to five devices for compensation, with a cap of $20 per device. However, the actual payments may be considerably lower due to the fund being distributed among numerous claimants, with estimates of around $8 per device.
This settlement reflects ongoing issues surrounding digital privacy and the importance of user consent, highlighting the growing demand for transparency and accountability from tech giants. As Apple continues to enhance its privacy practices, it remains essential for users to stay informed about their rights and the handling of their personal data.