Apple settled a $95 million class-action lawsuit for allegedly recording users' conversations without permission on Siri-enabled devices. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2021, alleged that Siri was often activated by error and recorded private conversations. Apple denies any wrongdoing but has opted to settle.
The lawsuit is symptomatic of growing public anxiety about how smart devices deal with sensitive personal information.
U.S. consumers who utilized Siri from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, can apply. The qualification involves owning a device with Siri and dealing with activations at inopportune moments during personal conversations. No recording evidence is required of users; they just need to have had Siri enabled and used the product within the respective period. Five devices per person are covered in claims.
The settlement covers a broad range of Apple devices that have Siri. The devices that qualify for this include iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, iMacs, Apple Watches, iPod Touches, HomePods, and Apple TVs. Each qualified user can be awarded up to $20 per device, depending on the number of claims submitted and the court's final approval of the settlement.
Claims have to be filed by July 2, 2025. Individuals can file online at lopezvoiceassistantsettlement.com via notice code or substitute form. There is also a printable version for mail-in filings. The approval hearing date is August 1, 2025. Payments will be made once the court approves, unless there are appeals that slow it down.
Apple asserts that Siri is designed with privacy in mind and that user data is only used to enhance functionality. The company said that this settlement does not constitute any admission of liability. Recent iOS updates feature improved transparency and on-device processing to avoid unauthorized audio review.
This lawsuit brings to light the growing conflict between the advancement of technology and the privacy of data. Voice assistants may be convenient, but they also raise legal and ethical issues relating to their abuse. A 95 million dollar payment from Apple is a step towards a larger industry trend of accountability and establishing trust in AI-based devices.