Apple to Pay $95 Million in Siri Voice Recording Settlement

Apple has reached a proposed $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit involving Siri's inadvertent recording of users' private conversations. This settlement, which still requires judicial approval, could see U.S.-based Apple product owners receive up to $20 for each device that captured their voice, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, and more.

The suit covers devices purchased between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, with the requirement that users must attest under oath that Siri was accidentally activated during a confidential conversation.

The lawsuit stems from a 2019 report by The Guardian, which claimed that Apple contractors often listened to private recordings, including sensitive medical discussions, private moments, and even intimate situations.

Siri’s activation, originally intended to only respond to its wake word, had been triggered unintentionally on many occasions, such as by simple sounds like a zipper. In response, Apple apologized for the breach, explaining that only a small portion of the recordings were reviewed by contractors and announced changes to its privacy practices, including no longer retaining audio recordings.

The settlement includes a potential payout of up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, though the actual amount may be lower, depending on the number of claims. Users must demonstrate that Siri was triggered accidentally during a private moment to qualify for compensation.