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You Might Be Eligible for Apple’s \$95 Million Siri Settlement — Here’s What You Need to Know
Introduction
Apple is once again making headlines — but this time, it’s not about a shiny new product or software update. Instead, the tech giant is facing a hefty \$95 million settlement over allegations that Siri may have recorded private conversations without users’ consent. If you’ve used a Siri-enabled device anytime between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s a full breakdown of what this class-action lawsuit means, how to file a claim, and what to expect going forward.
the Original
Apple users across the U.S. may now file a claim to receive a payout from a \$95 million settlement following a class action lawsuit accusing Siri of privacy violations. The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple Inc., alleged that Apple’s voice assistant captured and shared private user conversations due to unintended activations, even when users didn’t say “Hey Siri.” These recordings were allegedly shared with third-party contractors.
To qualify, users must have owned and used a Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. If you’re eligible, you may receive an email or postcard with a Claim Identification Code and a Confirmation Code from the official settlement administrator. If you didn’t receive one, you can still file a claim manually by submitting proof of purchase and serial numbers for up to five Siri devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, etc.).
Each device submitted could net you up to \$20, with a cap of five devices (\$100 total), although the final amount may vary based on the number of valid claims and administrative deductions. You can choose to receive payment via direct deposit or electronic check. Claims must be filed by July 2, 2025, and the final court hearing is scheduled for August 1, 2025, in California.
Although Apple denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. In response to the privacy backlash, Apple updated Siri in 2019 — stopping human review of recordings and allowing users to opt in to data collection instead of being automatically included.
What Undercode Say:
The Apple Siri lawsuit underscores a critical issue in the intersection of technology, privacy, and transparency. While \$95 million might seem like a sizable payout, the per-user compensation is modest. But the real value here lies in the precedent it sets.
Apple, which has long marketed itself as a privacy-first company, is under growing scrutiny. While it claims that Siri was always engineered with user privacy in mind, the fact that recordings were shared with contractors paints a different picture. The lawsuit suggests Apple may have failed to uphold the standards it set for itself — particularly when compared to its rivals like Google or Amazon, who’ve faced similar scrutiny.
This settlement also shines a spotlight on passive voice assistant activation, a widespread issue across smart devices. The risk that these gadgets could misinterpret background noise or random words as commands opens the door to accidental surveillance. While Apple claims it addressed these concerns in 2019, this case proves how long the impact of such lapses can last.
From a user perspective, this is a wake-up call. People often forget the trade-offs they make for convenience. Allowing an AI to live inside your devices means you’re handing over data — sometimes without even realizing it. This lawsuit isn’t just about Apple; it’s about the growing demand for user control and the right to know what your devices are doing in the background.
For tech observers and developers, it’s also a chance to rethink ethical AI design. Future updates and devices need to incorporate fail-safes, transparent logging, and clear opt-in mechanisms for any form of data collection.
At the same time, it’s notable how Apple handled the situation. Instead of digging in, they chose to quietly settle and publicly state they’ve changed their practices. That doesn’t absolve them, but it shows a corporate strategy focused on brand reputation and damage control.
As we move deeper into the era of AI-powered tools, this case is a reminder: Privacy is no longer a feature — it’s a right that must be protected at the software and hardware levels alike.
🧐 Fact Checker Results
✅ Apple did not admit wrongdoing but did settle the case to avoid extended litigation.
✅ The maximum payout per user is likely lower than \$20/device after costs.
✅ Siri’s privacy policy and handling was updated following backlash in 2019.
🔮 Prediction
Given the increasing concerns around AI and data privacy, more class action lawsuits related to smart assistants and passive data collection are likely. Apple’s settlement may push other tech giants to reassess their transparency and implement stricter consent policies. Expect stricter legislation on voice data privacy in the U.S. within the next 12–18 months, potentially shaping how future AI tools are deployed and governed.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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