Apple Proposes $95 Million Lawsuit Settlement Following Siri Spying Allegations
Apple wants to settle a five-year lawsuit, where plaintiffs accused the tech giant of using Siri to record conversations to sell to advertisers.
Apple agreed to settle a five-year lawsuit against them, offering to pay a $95 million settlement. The lawsuit, Lopez vs. Apple, first filed back in 2019, alleged Apple used its digital assistant Siri, to listen in on Apple users, per NPR.
The proposed settlement was filed in court on Tuesday in Oakland, California. However, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White must approve the proposed settlement. Attorneys on both sides will review the terms in a proposed hearing on February 14 in Oakland.
Allegations claim Siri recorded private conversations
According to the lawsuit, Apple activated Siri to record people’s conversations. These recordings allegedly happened without anyone saying, “Hey, Siri” which is how you activate the digital assistant.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Once recorded, some of those conversations would end up in the hands of advertisers, who could use the data to create detailed profiles and more targeted ads, based on the user’s interests, location and buying habits, the lawsuit claimed.
Two plaintiffs involved in the case stated they received targeted ads for Olive Garden and Air Jordan shoes after discussing them with friends. Another plaintiff said he received ads for medical treatment after speaking with his doctor.
These allegations run counter to Apple’s stance on personal security. CEO Tim Cook stated at the 2022 IAPP Global Privacy Settlement, “Protecting privacy is one of the most essential battles of our time.”
Apple denies any wrongdoing regarding the lawsuit’s allegations. The company currently has a market cap of $3.67 billion, thanks in part to the huge success and sales of the iPhone 16. To put the settlement into context, it would be akin to nine hours of profit for Apple, according to Reuters.
How would the settlement work?
Lawyers on both sides need to review and discuss terms of the settlement. Even then, the judge must approve them. If a settlement happens, it could potentially impact millions of Apple device users dating from September 17, 2014 to December 31, 2024.
NPR estimates Apple users could receive a settlement of $20 per Siri device used during this timeframe, with a max benefit cap of five devices per user. However, that payout could fluctuate depending on the volume of claimed payments. In a court document, they estimate only 3% to 5% of customers affected will take advantage of the settlement.
Related content
-
Why Public Markets Don't Look Like They Used To -
Turning 65 in 2026? Here Is Exactly How to Sign Up for MedicareWhether you’re months away from your 65th birthday or plan to work past retirement age, here are the steps to secure your Medicare coverage and avoid costly mistakes.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
6 Financially Savvy Power Moves for Women in 2026 (Prepare to Be in Charge!)Don't let the day-to-day get in the way of long-term financial planning. Here's how to get organized — including a reminder to dream big about your future.
-
Countries That Will Pay You to Move: Cash Grants, Incentives and What to KnowExplore real relocation incentives — from cash grants and tax breaks to startup funding — that make moving abroad or to smaller towns more affordable and rewarding.
-
Mortgage Protection Insurance: What It Covers and When It Makes SenseHow mortgage protection insurance works, what it costs, and when it’s actually useful in a financial plan.
-
How to Use Your Health Savings Account in RetirementStrategic saving and investing of HSA funds during your working years can unlock the full potential of these accounts to cover healthcare costs and more in retirement.
-
Forget Job Interviews: Employers Will Find the Best Person for the Job in an Escape Room (This Former CEO Explains Why)Escape rooms can give employers a better indication of job candidates' strengths than a standard interview. Here's how your company can get on board.
-
8 Things You Need to Stop Wasting Money on in 2026Want to get your finances in shape this year? Start by cutting out these sneaky sources of waste in your budget.
-
The December CPI Report Is Out. Here's What It Means for the Fed's Next MoveThe December CPI report came in lighter than expected, but housing costs remain an overhang.
-
Billed 12 Hours for a Few Seconds of Work: How AI Is Helping Law Firms Overcharge ClientsThe ability of AI to reduce the time required for certain legal tasks is exposing the legal profession's reliance on the billable hour.
