How To Claim Your Part Of Apple’s $95 Million Settlement For Siri Eavesdropping

If you’ve been using an Apple device with Siri over the past decade, you might want to pay attention. There's a class action lawsuit settlement worth up to $95 million, and you could be entitled to a small piece of it.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on, what the lawsuit claimed, and how to find out if you’re eligible.

In 2021, a group of Apple users filed a lawsuit—Lopez v. Apple—in a California federal court. They claimed that Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, was sometimes accidentally activated and recorded private conversations without permission.

Even worse, they allege that these recordings may have been sent to third parties, including advertisers. A key piece of evidence cited in the lawsuit was a 2019 article from The Guardian, which reported that Apple’s third-party contractors had been listening to Siri recordings.

According to the article, these recordings sometimes captured private moments, such as medical discussions or intimate conversations, because Siri was triggered unintentionally. Apple has agreed to a settlement but insists it hasn’t done anything wrong.

Apple's statement on the official settlement website is clear: it “denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful.” In other words, Apple is settling the case without admitting fault.

So, Who Can Get Some of This Money?

The eligibility rules are quite broad. You're potentially eligible if you owned or purchased a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. This includes iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, and Apple TVs.

However, there’s a catch: you must confirm, under oath, that Siri activated unintentionally at least once during a conversation that was meant to be private. If that never happened to you, then you’re probably not eligible.

The maximum payout is $20 per device, up to five devices per person, meaning the most you could receive is $100 total. But let’s be honest: the actual amount could be less.

The final payout depends on the number of valid claims submitted. If millions of users apply, the money will be split among more people, and each payment could decrease.

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It’s pretty simple. Head to the official Lopez Siri Settlement website and follow the instructions. If you have an email or postcard with a claim ID, use that to file your claim. If not, you can still file a new claim directly through the site. The deadline to submit is July 2, 2025.

A judge will hold a final approval hearing on August 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. At that hearing, the settlement will either be approved or delayed if there are objections or appeals.

Legal Implications of Data Privacy

Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist and professor, emphasizes that this settlement reflects broader societal concerns regarding data privacy and consumer trust in technology companies.

He notes that as our dependency on smart devices increases, so does the need for transparency and ethical standards in data handling.

Dr. Ariely suggests that consumers should educate themselves on privacy settings and be proactive in managing their digital footprints.

For instance, regularly reviewing app permissions can help ensure personal data isn't being misused, fostering a sense of control and security.

When Do I Get Paid?

That depends on what happens after the approval hearing. If everything moves forward without legal pushback, payments will start being processed shortly afterward.

However, if someone appeals the decision, that could prolong the process. For now, the best advice is to be patient and wait for updates from the official website.

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If you’ve used Siri at any point over the last ten years, there’s a decent chance you’re eligible for a small payout from Apple’s settlement.

But you’ll need to act, file your claim before the deadline, and swear that your device accidentally listened in on a private moment.

Whether you get $20 or just a few bucks, it’s still money you didn’t have.

Dr. Gary Chapman, a renowned relationship expert, reminds us that trust is foundational not just in personal relationships but also in consumer-brand dynamics.

He points out that companies like Apple must actively work to rebuild trust with users when allegations arise, as consumer confidence directly impacts brand loyalty.

To improve this situation, brands should prioritize clear communication regarding data usage and engage in proactive measures to protect users' privacy.

Establishing open dialogue through user forums can also empower consumers, giving them a voice in how their data is handled.

Psychological Framework & Solutions

In summary, the $95 million settlement involving Apple highlights critical issues surrounding digital privacy that resonate deeply with consumers today. Experts like Dr. Judith Herman stress the importance of earned security, which translates into how users feel about their data safety in the tech landscape.

As technology continues to evolve, both companies and consumers must prioritize transparency and communication. Implementing robust privacy measures and educating users on their rights can foster a healthier digital environment.

By actively engaging with consumers and maintaining ethical practices, companies can work towards rebuilding trust and ensuring a more secure future for all.