Apple users have less than 24 hours remaining to file claims for their share of a $95 million settlement over allegations that Siri secretly recorded private conversations, with the deadline set for tomorrow, July 2.
The settlement stems from a 2019 class-action lawsuit that accused Apple of programming its voice assistant to capture conversations even when users hadn't intentionally activated the service with phrases like "Hey Siri". Eligible users can receive up to $20 per device for a maximum of five devices, potentially totaling $100 per person.
U.S. residents who owned Siri-enabled Apple devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, can submit claims through the settlement website12. Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, and Apple TVs23.
Some users received emails with the subject line "Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement" containing claim identification codes, but those who didn't receive notifications can still file claims by providing device serial numbers and models24. Claimants must attest under oath that they experienced unintended Siri activations during private conversations35.
The lawsuit, filed by California resident Fumiko Lopez and other users, gained momentum after 2019 reports by The Guardian revealed that Apple contractors regularly overheard private conversations while reviewing Siri recordings for quality control12. One contractor reportedly heard doctors discussing medical details with patients, with activations sometimes triggered by sounds like zippers or raising an Apple Watch2.
The plaintiffs alleged that recorded conversations were shared with third-party contractors and used for targeted advertising34. Apple has consistently denied these allegations, stating that "Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles, and it has never been sold to anyone for any purpose"5.
Following the privacy concerns, Apple suspended human grading of Siri responses in August 2019, stopped storing conversation recordings, and made audio sample sharing an opt-in process restricted to Apple employees rather than outside contractors5.
The final approval hearing is scheduled for August 1 before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in Oakland, California12. If approved, payments will begin after any appeals are resolved, though legal experts suggest appeals are unlikely in this case2.
Apple settled to "avoid additional litigation" while maintaining it would have prevailed at trial3. The actual payout amount may vary depending on the total number of valid claims submitted14.
