If you’ve felt uncomfortable regarding your voice assistant’s ability to eavesdrop in private conversations, You’re not the only one. A major class action lawsuit dubbed”the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement raised this issue to the forefront, leading to a settlement of $95 million by Apple. The lawsuit focuses on allegations that Siri is not a legitimate feature on iPhone and was not intended to be activated by recording users’ voices. iPhone Siri was not intended to activate by recording the voice of users without their permission. For someone very involved in the field of the field of privacy and technology, this lawsuit is fascinating, and also a signal that people are becoming more aware of privacy protections within media.
Understanding the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement
The case, Lopez v. Apple Inc. It is filed with the US District Court for the Northern District of California. It claims that the devices equipped with Siri accidentally recorded conversations despite not knowing about vocal assistant activations. The thing that made this suit more alarming was that third-party vendors scrutinized some of the recordings to serve “quality control” purposes, warning of privacy issues.
Apple, for its part, has denied any wrongdoing. However, it agreed to a $95 million settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. This decision doesn’t imply an admission of guilt but reflects a growing trend among big tech companies to settle privacy concerns quickly and quietly.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
You may be wondering if you qualify for a piece of this settlement. The eligibility criteria are fairly broad:
- You’re a US resident.
- You owned or used a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
- You experienced unintended Siri activations during private conversations.
Devices covered include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, HomePods, iPod touches, and Apple TVs. If you’ve used one of these devices and can honestly say you noticed Siri randomly popping up and recording when it shouldn’t have, you’re probably eligible.
How Much Can You Receive?
If you’re eligible, you could receive up to $20 per device, with a cap of five devices per person, totaling up to $100. That might not be life-changing money, but it’s a nice acknowledgment of the issue. The final pay might vary based on how many people submit claims.
Think of it as a privacy dividend for putting up with those creepy moments when Siri suddenly chimed in uninvited.
How to File a Claim
If you’re ready to claim your part of the settlement, here’s what to do:
- Go to the official settlement website: lopezvoiceassistantsettlement.com
- Click the “Submit Claim” button.
- Enter information about the Siri-enabled devices you’ve used.
- Submit the form by July 2, 2025.
The process is straightforward. There’s no need to upload receipts or proof of purchase, but you will need to confirm that you experienced the issue.
When Will You Receive the Payment?
The court has scheduled the final approval hearing for August 1, 2025. If the judge approves the settlement, payments will follow. In most class-action cases, it takes a few months after court approval for the funds to be distributed.
It’s a slow process, no doubt, but it’s worth the wait if you’ve taken the time to file your claim.
Related Settlement: Apple Watch Battery Swelling
Interestingly, this isn’t the only class-action Apple has had to settle recently. There’s also a $20 million settlement concerning swollen batteries in earlier models of the Apple Watch (Series 0, 1, 2, and 3).
In that case, users reported that their watch displays would crack or detach due to swelling batteries. If you owned one of those models between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024, you might be eligible for compensation. Payouts vary between $20 to $50, depending on the model and extent of damage reported.
How to Know if You’re Part of the Apple Settlement
Now, let’s tackle one of the most common questions:
How do I know if I’m part of the Apple settlement?
Even if you didn’t receive a direct email or letter from Apple, you can still file a claim. As long as you used a Siri-enabled device during the qualifying period and experienced the specific issue (i.e., unintended Siri activations), you’re likely included.
No direct notification doesn’t mean you’re excluded. It just means you need to self-identify and file the claim yourself. The claim form includes a declaration where you attest to your experience.
How to Get Money from the Apple Settlement
You can get your part of the Apple settlement by simply submitting your claim on the official settlement site. Once the court approves the agreement, payments will be sent via the method you choose (typically PayPal, Venmo, or check).
Don’t forget to keep a copy of your submission confirmation. While the process is simple, it’s always good to have a record.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Payment from a Class-Action Settlement?
In general, once a class-action settlement is approved, you can expect to receive your payment within three to six months, although delays are possible. The timeline depends on several factors:
- The number of valid claims filed
- Method of payment selected
- Administrative and legal processing
The Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement follows the same pattern. If the final court approval happens in August 2025, expect payouts to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
Did Apple Pay $20 Million to US Apple Watch Owners Over Swollen Battery Settlement?
Yes, Apple agreed to a $20 million settlement to resolve a separate class-action lawsuit involving battery swelling in earlier Apple Watch models. This shows that Apple is taking proactive steps to resolve hardware and privacy complaints without drawn-out court battles.
This isn’t the first time Apple has settled quietly. From performance throttling on older iPhones to app store lawsuits, Apple has a track record of resolving these disputes through compensation, often with minimal publicity.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Tech Users
These are more than the payments of fees. They are a significant change of how companies in the tech industry take care of the privacy of their customers. People were required to have confidence that their data was handled in a manner that was secure. Today, people need more transparency as well as greater transparency and accountability.
I see this as a positive development. As someone who works with tech daily, I believe in innovation, but not at the cost of user trust. The Lopez settlement should serve as a wake-up call to tech companies: We’re watching, and we expect better.
At the same time, it’s a reminder for all of us to stay vigilant. Keep an eye on your device settings, manage voice assistant permissions, and know your rights.
Conclusion
The Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement underscores an important point in the ongoing discussion concerning the privacy of individuals, AI as well as corporate responsabilities. If you feel you’re entitled, then take a moment to file your claim prior to July 2, 2025. It’s an easy but important means to claim your rights in the digital realm.
If you notice Siri appearing unwelcome or the battery of a smartwatch becoming unstable, holding the tech industry accountable will create a future in which trust in users should not be viewed as a second priority and a priority.