Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Privacy Violations

Apple users in the United States who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 2014 and December 2024 may be eligible for compensation as part of a $95 million class action settlement. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, captured private conversations without users’ consent and shared the data with third parties. While Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing, the company opted to settle to avoid extended court proceedings.

The settlement covers a wide range of Apple products released after 2014, including iPhones, Apple Watches, HomePods, iPads, MacBooks, and even Apple TV devices. Eligible users can receive up to $20 per device, with a maximum of five devices per individual.

The controversy began gaining attention in 2019, when reports emerged that contractors hired by Apple had access to users’ private audio recordings. These recordings allegedly included personal and sensitive conversations, sometimes even intimate moments. The lawsuit claims Siri sometimes activated without being prompted by the «Hey Siri» command, leading to unintended recordings. Some users also reported receiving advertisements related to topics they had only discussed privately, such as a user who saw a medical services ad after speaking with a doctor.

In response to the backlash, Apple issued a formal apology and introduced significant changes to its data collection practices. The company stopped retaining Siri voice recordings and added stricter privacy controls. It also restricted third-party access to audio data. Despite these changes, Apple continues to assert that Siri data is not used to deliver targeted advertising.

Eligible individuals can submit claims through a dedicated website until July 2, 2025. Even those who didn’t receive a direct notification may apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. The actual amount each claimant receives may vary depending on the number of valid claims submitted.