Apple settles Siri lawsuit

Siri is a digital assistant feature integrated into Apple’s operating system and present on devices like the iPhone, Macbook, and iPad. Normally, users can activate Siri by either pressing a button or using the voice command “Hey Siri,” which acts as a “wake phrase” to engage the virtual assistant. The device then listens to the user’s instructions and can perform tasks such as answering questions, sending messages, and making calls.

Several VERIFY readers, including MJ and Victor, have inquired about the legitimacy of an Apple Siri settlement they recently learned of. VERIFY frequently verifies popular settlements to assist readers in avoiding scams.

Is there an Apple Siri settlement?

Yes, there is an Apple Siri settlement.

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Apple has reached a $95 million settlement following allegations that its Siri feature recorded conversations of device users without their permission. Eligible customers might be entitled to receive up to $20 per affected device.

A court still needs to approve the settlement, which is expected to happen on Feb. 14, 2025. Following approval, those eligible will receive a notice to file a claim via email. 

In August 2019, a lawsuit alleged that Apple was using its Siri feature to record customers without their consent, including when a wake phrase like “Hey Siri” was not used. 

The suit says the data was shared with outside contractors to train the Siri feature.

“Apple knows that unauthorized recordings are common and as such tasks its human reviewers with, among other things, identifying whether Siri was deliberately activated or not,” the lawsuit says.

That same month, Apple released a statement regarding its plans to improve Siri privacy settings. 

“We know that customers have been concerned by recent reports of people listening to audio Siri recordings as part of our Siri quality evaluation process — which we call grading. We heard their concerns, immediately suspended human grading of Siri requests and began a thorough review of our practices and policies,” the company said. Apple noted that it “will no longer retain audio recordings of Siri interactions.”

According to the lawsuit, Apple’s iOS Terms of Service previously included a statement that, “By using Siri, you agree and consent to Apple’s and its subsidiaries’ and agents’ transmission, collection, maintenance, processing, and use of this information, including your voice input and User Data, to provide and improve Siri and other Apple products and services.” 

Apple’s current Siri, Dictation & Privacy agreement says, “When you use Siri, your device will indicate in Siri Settings if the things you say are processed on your device and not sent to Apple servers. Otherwise, your audio is sent to and processed on Apple servers.”

The tech company also addressed claims that it was selling Siri data for advertising purposes in 2019, stating, “When we store Siri data on our servers, we don’t use it to build a marketing profile and we never sell it to anyone. We use Siri data only to improve Siri, and we are constantly developing technologies to make Siri even more private.”

Apple denies any wrongdoing but has agreed to a settlement to address the case. 

Anyone who owned an Apple device with the Siri feature between Sept. 17, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2024 is eligible for the settlement. Payout amounts will depend on how many total claims are received. Those eligible will be able to receive up to $20 per device with Siri owned, for a maximum of five devices. Claimants will be able to choose between physical or electronic check, or direct deposit to receive their payment.

As a result of the settlement, Apple is also required to confirm Siri audio recordings collected prior to October 2019 have been deleted. The company must also publish a webpage that clearly outlines how Apple users can opt in to the “Improve Siri” option and highlights what data is stored from those that do so.