Did you own an Apple device between 2014 and 2024? You might be entitled to a portion of Apple’s $95 million settlement over claims that Siri was recording users without their consent. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the settlement, including eligibility requirements, the devices covered, and how to file a claim before the deadline. Don’t miss out on your chance to get your share!
The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, unintentionally activated and recorded private conversations, raising concerns about user privacy. While Apple denies these allegations, they’ve agreed to a settlement to resolve the matter. This settlement impacts owners of various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and more.
Inside, we’ll cover the qualifications for claiming part of the settlement, which devices are included, key dates, and step-by-step instructions on how to submit your claim. We’ll also discuss the details of the lawsuit, addressing the core allegations and Apple’s response. Make sure you read until the end to ensure you don’t miss any crucial information.
Who Is Eligible for the Siri Settlement?
The settlement is open to individuals who owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. To be eligible, you must also attest that you experienced an unintended Siri activation during a private communication. This means that Siri activated when you didn’t intentionally trigger it with the “Hey, Siri” command or by pressing the side button. The legal notice emphasizes that claimants will need to swear under oath to this experience.
This broad eligibility criterion aims to include as many affected users as possible. Whether you were aware of the unintended activations or not, if you owned a qualifying device during the specified period, you are encouraged to explore your eligibility and file a claim.
It’s worth noting that eligibility doesn’t depend on whether you experienced significant harm due to the alleged privacy violations. The primary requirement is the ownership of a Siri-enabled device and the experience of unintended activations during private conversations.
What Apple Devices Qualify for the Settlement?
The lawsuit covers a wide range of Apple devices equipped with Siri. Here’s a detailed list:
- iPhones
- iPads
- Apple Watches
- MacBooks
- iMacs
- HomePods
- iPod Touches
- Apple TVs
This extensive list ensures that most Apple users who potentially experienced unintended Siri activations are included in the settlement. If you owned any of these devices within the specified timeframe (September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024), you are likely eligible to file a claim.
The inclusion of devices like HomePods and Apple TVs highlights that the settlement isn’t limited to mobile devices. Any device with Siri functionality that might have unintentionally recorded private conversations falls under the scope of this settlement.
How to File a Claim for the Siri Settlement
Filing a claim is straightforward, and you can do it online through the dedicated settlement website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Lopez v. Apple settlement website.
- If you received an email or postcard with a claim identification code and confirmation code, enter them on the claim form.
- If you didn’t receive a code, you can still file a claim by providing the necessary information.
- Fill out the claim form with accurate details about your device ownership and experience with unintended Siri activations.
- Submit the form online.
The settlement website is designed to guide you through the process, offering clear instructions and FAQs to address any questions you might have.
Ensure you file your claim before the deadline to be eligible for a payment. Keep a copy of your submitted claim form for your records.
How Much Money Will You Get From the Settlement?
The settlement allocates $95 million to be distributed among eligible claimants. However, the exact amount each individual receives will depend on several factors, including the number of valid claims submitted and the number of devices claimed per person.
According to the settlement terms, payments for each device are capped at $20. Claimants can claim up to five devices, making the maximum potential payout $100 per person. However, the actual payout could be less if the total number of claims exceeds the available settlement funds. In such cases, the settlement amount will be distributed proportionally among the claimants.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the payout amount. While the settlement aims to compensate affected users, the final amount might not be substantial due to the large number of potential claimants.
What the Lawsuit Alleges About Siri
The core of the lawsuit revolves around allegations that Apple’s Siri-enabled devices recorded users’ private communications without their consent. Plaintiffs claimed that these unintended activations led to their confidential information being obtained by Apple and potentially shared with third parties, such as advertisers. The lawsuit alleges that this data was then used to target users with online ads.
Users reported instances where they saw ads on their devices for specific brands or products after discussing them aloud. Others claimed their devices listened to them even without any deliberate activation of Siri. These experiences raised serious concerns about user privacy and data security.
The lawsuit references a 2019 article that revealed Apple’s third-party contractors regularly heard confidential information while reviewing Siri recordings. Although Apple stated that only a small portion of data was shared to improve Siri and dictation, the lawsuit argues that this practice violated users’ privacy rights.
Apple’s Response to the Allegations
Despite agreeing to the $95 million settlement, Apple has consistently denied the allegations made in the lawsuit. The company maintains that Siri is designed with user privacy in mind and that measures are in place to prevent unintended recordings. Apple argues that any data collected is used to improve the functionality and accuracy of Siri, not to infringe on users’ privacy.
In response to the initial concerns raised in 2019, Apple made changes to its Siri evaluation program, including discontinuing the practice of contractors listening to recordings in some regions. The company also implemented stricter privacy controls and data anonymization techniques to protect user information.
While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the settlement reflects a willingness to resolve the matter and avoid further legal proceedings. The company emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and continues to invest in technologies that enhance data security and protection.
Important Dates to Remember
Here are the key dates you need to know regarding the Siri settlement:
- Claim Deadline: July 2, 2025
- Court Hearing for Approval: August 1, 2025 (tentatively scheduled)
Make sure to file your claim before the deadline to ensure you are eligible for a payment. The court hearing on August 1 will determine whether the settlement is approved. If approved, payments will be distributed to eligible claimants.
Keep an eye on the settlement website for any updates or changes to these dates.
Final Thoughts on the Apple Siri Settlement
The Apple Siri settlement offers an opportunity for users who believe their privacy was violated to receive compensation. If you owned a Siri-enabled device between 2014 and 2024 and experienced unintended activations during private conversations, you should consider filing a claim before the July 2 deadline.
While the payout amount may not be substantial, participating in the settlement is a way to acknowledge the importance of user privacy and hold companies accountable for their data practices. The lawsuit and settlement have also prompted Apple to enhance its privacy measures and be more transparent about its data collection practices.
Ultimately, this settlement highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting our digital privacy and ensuring that technology companies prioritize user rights and data security. By staying informed and taking action, we can collectively shape a future where technology serves our best interests without compromising our fundamental rights.
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