Apple users are starting to receive their share of a $95 million cash payout to settle a class action case alleging Siri eavesdropping.
Apple agreed to the payout in a preliminary settlement, filed Dec. 13, 2024, in Oakland, California. The class action lawsuit alleged that Apple was infringing its users’ privacy by capturing Siri conversations without their knowledge or consent and sharing this with advertisers. Apple users began to claim their share in January 2025 with a deadline of July to file.
Direct deposits have now begun to hit iPhone users’ accounts, according to an article on Apple focused site 9to5Mac. Meanwhile, those who selected the option for a prepaid gift card or check will receive an email, so check your spam if it’s not in your inbox yet.
Claims Siri Was Listening In
The claims date back to 2019, when U.K. newspaper The Guardian reported that Siri contractors were listening to Apple users’ conversations with the voice assistant. The contractors heard people talking to their doctor, sexual encounters and even drug deals, according to the article. Apple denies any wrongdoing, saying it agreed to the payout to avoid costly litigation.
Once the Siri settlement was approved, a page was published in the case of Lopez v. Apple Inc. “A settlement has been reached with Apple Inc. in a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of current or former owners or purchasers of a Siri-enabled iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch, or Apple TV whose confidential or private communications were allegedly obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties as a result of an unintended Siri activation,” according to the page.
Apple users who had bought a Siri-enabled Apple device between Sept.17, 2014 and Dec. 31 2024 and could prove they had suffered an unwanted activation of the voice assistant qualified for the payout.
The payout was not as good as expected. While individuals were allowed to submit up to five Apple devices, the final number seems to be around $8.02 per device — with a max payout of $40.10, according to 9to5Mac.
