Apple Begins Paying iPhone Users in $95 Million Siri Privacy Settlement
Some Apple iPhone users in the United States have started receiving payouts from the company’s $95 million Siri privacy settlement, following a long-running class action lawsuit over alleged unauthorized recordings. Multiple users reported receiving direct deposits this week, marking the first phase of payments under the settlement.
The lawsuit accused Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, of recording private conversations without users’ consent. While Apple denied wrongdoing, it agreed to settle the case in 2025 to resolve the matter and avoid prolonged litigation.
Payments Begin for Eligible Users
According to reports and user confirmations, payouts have started reaching claimants who selected direct deposit as their preferred payment method. Many recipients have received funds directly into their bank accounts or payment apps.
Those who opted for prepaid gift cards or physical checks are still waiting, with settlement administrators stating that these payments will be processed in the coming weeks. Users have been advised to check their email inboxes, spam folders, and mailboxes regularly for updates.
Apple accepted settlement claims in mid-2025, and administrators have since verified eligible submissions before releasing payments.
How the Siri Settlement Works
The class action lawsuit stems from concerns first raised in 2019, when reports suggested that Siri sometimes activated unintentionally and recorded private conversations.
To qualify for compensation, users had to meet specific criteria. Claimants were required to:
- Own at least one Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024
- Claim that Siri activated without their intention during that period
- Submit a valid claim before the deadline in 2025
Each user could register up to five devices, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and HomePods that supported Siri.
How Much Are Users Receiving?
Although the settlement total stands at $95 million, individual payouts are significantly lower than early estimates.
Initially, projections suggested that users could receive up to $20 per device, with a maximum of $100. However, due to the large number of valid claims, administrators recalculated the final distribution.
The confirmed payout is approximately:
- $8.02 per device
- Maximum of $40.10 for five devices
The reduction reflects the need to divide the settlement fairly among millions of eligible claimants after administrative and legal costs.
Background of the Siri Privacy Case
The lawsuit was triggered by a 2019 investigation by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple contractors hired for quality control sometimes listened to Siri recordings. These recordings reportedly included private conversations, medical discussions, and personal moments.
Apple responded by stating that fewer than one percent of Siri interactions were reviewed and that recordings were anonymised. The company also insisted that the data was never linked to user identities.
Following the controversy, Apple made major policy changes, including:
- Ending the use of third-party contractors for Siri review
- Introducing opt-in consent for audio recordings
- Allowing users to delete Siri history
- Improving transparency around data usage
These steps were aimed at strengthening user trust and privacy protections.
Apple’s Position on the Settlement
Apple has consistently denied that it violated user privacy. The company maintained that Siri recordings were not used for advertising and were not connected to Apple IDs.
In official statements, Apple said it agreed to the settlement to move forward and avoid prolonged legal disputes, not because it admitted fault.
The settlement allowed Apple to close the case while continuing to refine its privacy policies.
What Users Should Do Now
Eligible users who have not yet received payments are encouraged to:
- Monitor registered email accounts
- Check spam and junk folders
- Watch for postal mail
- Verify payment preferences on the settlement website
If payments are delayed beyond the announced timeline, claimants can contact the settlement administrator for clarification.
Our Thoughts
The Siri privacy settlement highlights how sensitive voice data has become in the digital age. As smart assistants become more integrated into daily life, concerns about unintended recordings and data misuse are likely to grow.
While the individual payouts may seem modest, the case sets an important precedent for accountability in tech privacy. It also reinforces the idea that even major technology companies are subject to legal scrutiny when user trust is questioned.
Apple’s policy reforms after 2019 show that public pressure and legal action can influence corporate behaviour. However, the settlement also reflects the challenge of fairly compensating millions of users in large-scale privacy cases.
Going forward, transparency and user control will remain central to maintaining confidence in AI-driven assistants. For consumers, this case serves as a reminder to regularly review privacy settings and understand how personal data is handled.