Consumers of Siri-enabled devices such as iPhones, MacBooks, and Apple TVs have the opportunity to file a claim in a $95 million settlement with Apple. This settlement arises from a 2021 lawsuit that accused Apple of allowing its voice assistant, Siri, to eavesdrop on private conversations which were allegedly shared with third-party businesses for advertising purposes.
The lawsuit was initiated by Fumiko Lopez from California, who, along with other consumers, claimed that their private discussions were captured by Siri and subsequently used to target them with advertisements through Apple’s search and Safari browser.
Although Apple denies any wrongdoing, it has reached this settlement, allowing eligible consumers to claim financial compensation.
Who can file claims?
To qualify, individuals must have owned Siri-enabled devices from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, and experienced an unintended activation of Siri during a private conversation. The devices covered include:
– iPhone
– iPad
– Apple Watch
– MacBook
– iMac
– HomePod
– iPod touch
– Apple TV
Claimants could receive up to $20 per device, potentially allowing owners of multiple devices to collect up to $100 if they file claims for five devices.
How to file a claim:
Eligible individuals may have received an email or postcard with a claim ID and confirmation code, which they can use to submit a claim by July 2, 2025. If you didn’t receive such a notification but believe you’re eligible, you can still file a claim as a “new claim” on the settlement site by providing your information and proof of purchase.
When will payments be issued?
The earliest any payouts may occur is later this year, pending the final approval hearing on August 1, 2025. Any potential appeals could impact the timeline for receiving payments. Claimants will have options for payment methods including check, e-check, or direct deposit.
This settlement not only serves as an important consumer protection milestone but also emphasizes the need for transparency from tech companies regarding user data. As more individuals become aware of their rights and the importance of privacy, there is hope for a future where consumer trust in technology improves significantly.