Apple has faced legal scrutiny over allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, was eavesdropping on users without consent. This controversy stems from reports in 2019 that Apple contractors listened to audio recordings of Siri interactions to improve the service. These recordings could potentially include sensitive personal information. In response to the controversy, Apple made changes to how it processes and stores Siri data, offering users more control over their voice recordings.
As part of addressing these concerns, Apple agreed to settle a class action lawsuit, with a payout to users who were affected by this alleged eavesdropping.
What is the Siri Eavesdropping Settlement?
In 2020, Apple settled a class action lawsuit involving Siri. The lawsuit alleged that Apple secretly recorded users’ voice interactions with Siri and had contractors listen to these recordings. This practice raised concerns about privacy violations. The settlement involved Apple agreeing to pay $18 million as part of a class action settlement. A portion of this settlement would be distributed to users who are eligible.
Eligibility for the Siri Eavesdropping Payout
To be eligible for the Siri eavesdropping payout, users must meet certain criteria, including:
- Date Range: The payout generally applies to individuals who used Siri between 2015 and 2019.
- Location: The settlement may apply to Siri users in the United States, though you should check for updates specific to your jurisdiction.
- Siri Usage: Users who have interacted with Siri or had Siri activated on an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, etc.) during the specified time period.
- No Need to Prove Eavesdropping: You do not have to prove that you were directly impacted by eavesdropping. If you used Siri during the eligible timeframe, you are generally included in the settlement class.
How to Claim the Siri Eavesdropping Payout
If you meet the eligibility requirements, here’s how to claim your portion of the payout:
- Check the Settlement Website: Apple typically sets up a dedicated website for the settlement process. You’ll want to visit the official website to confirm your eligibility and get the necessary instructions for claiming your share.
- Fill Out a Claim Form: You will likely need to submit a claim form online. This form will ask for basic information such as your name, contact details, and the devices you used Siri on. It may also ask for proof that you used Siri during the time period.
- Claim Deadlines: Ensure that you file your claim before the deadline. Missing the deadline could disqualify you from receiving any payout.
- Payout Distribution: After your claim is processed, eligible individuals will receive a payout. The exact amount will depend on the total number of claimants and the share of the settlement fund allocated to each eligible person.
What Will the Payout Amount Be?
The exact payout amount varies depending on several factors, such as:
- Number of Eligible Claimants: The more people who file claims, the smaller each individual payout may be.
- How Long You Used Siri: In some cases, users who used Siri more frequently may receive a larger payout, though this isn’t always the case.
- Legal and Administrative Fees: A portion of the settlement fund may be allocated to covering legal costs and administrative fees associated with processing the claims.
It’s important to note that settlements of this nature often lead to individual payouts that can range from a small amount to a larger sum. In the case of the Siri settlement, many recipients may expect to receive between $5 to $50 as part of their payout, though it will depend on the total number of claimants.

Why Did Apple Settle?
Apple settled the lawsuit to avoid lengthy litigation, but without admitting wrongdoing. The company made several changes to its Siri data practices, such as:
- Giving users the option to disable the saving of voice recordings by Siri.
- Providing clearer explanations of data privacy practices.
- Offering transparency regarding how voice data is handled.
While the settlement resolves the legal issue, Apple emphasized that it still takes privacy seriously and that these changes were implemented to protect users.

Key Takeaways and Final Considerations
- If you used Siri between 2015 and 2019, you might be eligible for a payout from the Apple Siri eavesdropping settlement.
- You don’t need to prove that you were directly affected by Siri’s eavesdropping, just that you used the service during the eligible period.
- To claim your payout, you’ll need to file a claim before the specified deadline.
- The amount you receive will depend on the total number of claimants and other factors.
- Apple has since made changes to how Siri data is handled, ensuring better user privacy moving forward.

Table of Contents
Conclusion
The Apple Siri eavesdropping lawsuit and subsequent payout offer a reminder about the importance of user privacy in the tech world. If you were affected by Siri’s data practices, be sure to check if you qualify for the settlement and file a claim accordingly.
For more information, make sure to visit the official settlement website or consult with a legal professional if you have questions about your eligibility.
This overview should give you a good sense of the key details, but if you’re interested in a more specific breakdown of the process or additional details on related privacy concerns, feel free to ask!