Apple is shelling out $95 million to settle a major privacy lawsuit. If you’ve used Siri over the years, you might be entitled to some of that money—here’s how to find out if you qualify and what steps you need to take to claim it.
What’s This Settlement All About?
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, may have recorded users without their permission.
The lawsuit came after reports revealed that Siri could be accidentally triggered and record conversations—sometimes including sensitive or private information. Those recordings were allegedly listened to by human reviewers to help improve Siri’s responses. The issue sparked a major privacy debate, and in 2019, it led to legal action claiming Apple violated privacy rights.
While Apple hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, they’ve agreed to settle to avoid a drawn-out legal fight. Now, if you owned an Apple device during the covered time period, you could be owed money.
Who’s Eligible to Get Paid?
Here’s a quick rundown of who can claim a part of the settlement:
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You used a Siri-enabled device (think iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, HomePods, MacBooks, etc.)
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You owned the device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024
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You’re a U.S. resident
That’s it! You don’t need to prove Siri actually recorded you—just that you owned an eligible device during that time frame.
How Much Could You Get?
While the total settlement is $95 million, not everyone will get a huge payout. The amount you receive depends on how many people file claims. But here’s what the numbers are looking like so far:
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You could get around $20 per device
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Households can receive up to $100 total, maxing out at five devices
So if you and your family have been loyal Apple users with multiple devices over the years, it could add up!
How to Claim Your Money
The process to file a claim is pretty straightforward, though you’ll want to stay on top of deadlines.
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Wait for the official settlement website to go live — This will happen once the court gives final approval. You’ll likely get a notice if you’re part of the class.
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Gather any documentation you might have — This could include proof of purchase or device serial numbers, though it’s not always required.
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Submit your claim form — Forms will be available online and need to be filled out before the deadline.
A hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2025, to finalize the settlement. If everything is approved, you’ll likely have until May 15, 2025, to file your claim.
Apple’s Side of the Story
Apple has consistently said that it doesn’t use Siri recordings to build user profiles or target ads. The company has emphasized its commitment to privacy, stating the settlement doesn’t mean they admit any fault—it’s simply a way to put the issue behind them.
Since the lawsuit, Apple has made several changes to how Siri data is handled, including giving users the option to opt out of sharing audio recordings for review.
Why This Matters
This settlement is a big deal—not just because of the money, but because it shines a light on how tech companies handle your personal information. Even when privacy policies exist, the fine print can get complicated, and users often don’t realize how much data is being collected or how it’s used.
If you’ve ever been concerned about your digital privacy, this case is a reminder to check your settings and stay informed. It’s also a rare chance to get a little compensation for something that may have happened without your knowledge.
What You Should Do Now
If you think you qualify, don’t wait until the last minute. Keep an eye out for official updates about the claim form, and be ready to file once the site is live. Even if it’s just $20, it’s your money—and your privacy.
