iPhone users are finally receiving payouts from a $95 million Siri privacy settlement. This settlement resolves a class-action lawsuit filed in 2019, alleging that Apple's Siri voice assistant was recording conversations without explicit user consent. The issue began when Apple contractors were found to be overhearing private conversations, which sparked controversy and led to legal action. The Siri privacy settlement was reached last year, with Apple agreeing to pay $95 million to affected users.

Qualifying for the settlement required users to have purchased a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 2014 and December 2024, and to have experienced unintended Siri activations. Initially, the payout was estimated to be up to $20 per device, with a maximum payout of $100. However, the actual payout amounts have been lower, averaging around $8.02 per device, with a maximum of $40.10. Users who participated in the settlement are now receiving their payments, either via direct deposit, prepaid gift card, or check.

This settlement marks a significant moment in Apple's efforts to improve Siri privacy. Since the lawsuit, Apple has made changes to how Siri handles user data, including requiring explicit user opt-in for recording interactions. The incident has also raised broader questions about the privacy practices of voice assistants and the responsibility of tech companies to protect user data. As users receive their payouts, the settlement serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to balance technology innovation with user privacy.