Apple Settles Siri Privacy Class-Action (Lopez v. Apple Inc.)

Apple’s Siri voice assistant has been at the center of privacy concerns in recent years. A class-action lawsuit (Lopez v. Apple Inc.) accused Apple of “eavesdropping” by recording users’ private conversations via Siri and sharing the audio with third parties. According to Reuters, Apple has now agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve these claims. The company denies any wrongdoing, but under the proposed deal it will delete all Siri audio gathered before October 2019. Apple also clarified that it has never sold Siri data or built marketing profiles from it.

What’s the Lawsuit About?

The Lopez lawsuit (filed in 2019) alleges that even when users did not say the “Hey, Siri” wake word, their iPhones or other devices sometimes activated by mistake and recorded private conversations. Plaintiffs claim these recordings were shared with advertisers: for example, discussing a shoe brand quietly at home was followed by an ad for that brand in Safari. The case drew on earlier whistleblower reports (e.g. in The Guardian and WIRED) that Apple contractors had listened to Siri recordings, sometimes hearing highly personal or sensitive details.

Even though Apple insists Siri data has only ever been used to improve Siri’s accuracy, the lawsuit argued that many users were unaware their private words were being reviewed. As part of the settlement, Apple will proactively erase any recordings made before October 2019 that are not protected by a user opt-in.

Settlement Terms and Payouts

Under the $95 million Siri class-action settlement, eligible users can claim a cash payment. The payout is up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, with a cap of 5 devices (i.e. up to $100 per person). For example, someone with an iPhone, MacBook and Apple Watch could claim up to $60 total. The actual amount each claimant receives will be prorated based on the number of valid claims submitted; the $20/device is the maximum cap. Class members are estimated in the tens of millions, so payouts could vary.

In addition to cash, the settlement requires Apple to delete the disputed recordings. The Stoll Berne law blog notes that Apple “denies any wrongdoing,” but has agreed to delete all Siri audio gathered prior to October 2019 and compensate affected consumers. Apple will not admit liability, and says it settled simply “to avoid additional litigation” after already ending the grading program in 2019.

Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?

Consumers who owned Siri-enabled Apple devices between September 17, 2014 and December 31, 2024, and who “experienced an unintended Siri activation during a confidential or private communication,” can file a claim. Eligible devices include:

• iPhone (with Siri enabled)

• iPad

• Apple Watch

• MacBook (and iMac)

• HomePod

• iPod touch

• Apple TV

Owners must have used Siri on the device; simply owning the device qualifies you to submit a claim. You can claim for up to five devices – for example, an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook and HomePod. Each device gives up to $20 in benefits (so five devices max out the $100 total).

The official settlement website (LopezVoiceAssistantSettlement.com) has a full list of covered devices and instructions. It also states that to qualify you must attest (under penalty of perjury) that you purchased or owned the Siri-enabled device in the U.S. or its territories, had Siri turned on, and experienced an unintended activation during a private conversation. If you’re unsure, the site offers contact information for the Settlement Administrator.

How to File Your Claim

Filing is done online at the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website: LopezVoiceAssistantSettlement.com. You’ll use the “Submit Claim” page. Here’s the typical process:

1. Claim ID (if you have one): Some users were mailed a notice with a Claim ID and confirmation code. If you received that, enter it on the site to start your claim.

2. New Claim: If you didn’t get a notice, choose “New Claim.” You’ll enter your name, address, and the email associated with your Apple ID.

3. Device info: Provide proof of purchase for each device (or its serial/model number) that you are claiming. Upload receipts or take a photo of the serial number. The form will ask which device(s) experienced the unintended Siri activation.

4. Declaration: You must certify that each claim device had Siri enabled and that you had at least one unintended Siri listening incident during a private conversation. This includes attesting “under penalty of perjury” that the statements are true.

5. Choose payment: The form lets you pick how to receive any award – via mailed check, e-check or direct deposit.

The deadline to submit a claim is July 2, 2025. You can file up until that date. (If you do nothing, you’ll be bound by the settlement but won’t receive any payment.) You can also opt out of the settlement by July 2, 2025 if you wish to pursue separate legal action.

Timeline & Next Steps

• Class period: Sept. 17, 2014 – Dec. 31, 2024. Siri’s “Hey Siri” feature was introduced in 2014, and the lawsuit covers that era up through 2024.

• Settlement filed: A preliminary settlement was lodged in court at the end of 2024.

• Claim deadline: July 2, 2025 (submit online by this date).

• Final hearing: A judge will hold a final approval hearing on August 1, 2025 (9 AM Pacific, Oakland, CA) to decide if the settlement is “fair, reasonable and adequate”.

• Payouts: If the settlement is approved and no appeals delay it, payments will be made thereafter. The settlement website notes: “If there is no appeal, your settlement benefit will be processed promptly. Please be patient,” and updates will be posted on the site.

Official Sources and Media Coverage

For official information, see the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website (lopezvoiceassistantsettlement.com) which hosts the claim form and FAQs. Major news outlets have covered the case, including Reuters, CBS News, Axios and WIRED. These reports verify the settlement terms, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Apple’s Siri privacy settlement is now finalizing, but affected users can take action. If you had a Siri-enabled device in the covered period and believe your private speech was recorded without consent, consider filing a claim before the July 2 deadline.

Sources: Official settlement documents and reputable media reports. (For complete details and to file a claim, visit the official claim site at LopezVoiceAssistantSettlement.com.)