CHICAGO — Time is running out for Illinois residents to file a claim in Apple’s $95 million settlement over allegations that Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, recorded users without consent. If you’ve ever used Siri on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac — or even suspected your device was “listening” — you might be owed a cash payout.
Below, we break down who qualifies, how to apply, and why this case matters for privacy-conscious users in Illinois and beyond.
Why Is Apple Paying $95 Million?
The class-action lawsuit alleged that Siri was triggered accidentally and recorded private conversations, some of which were allegedly shared with third parties. Users reported seeing ads related to conversations they only had verbally — raising concerns over how voice data was handled.
Although Apple has denied any wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation.
Who Is Eligible in Illinois?
If you live in Illinois and used a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014 and December 31, 2024, you may be eligible for a payout — especially if you suspect Siri captured conversations without your intention.
Eligible devices include:
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iPhones
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iPads
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Apple Watches
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MacBooks and iMacs
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HomePods
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Apple TVs
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iPod Touches
How to Claim Your Share
To claim your payout, you must visit the official settlement website and submit a claim before July 2, 2025.
You’ll need one of the following:
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A settlement notification email or postcard (check your inbox and spam folder), which contains a claim code.
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If you didn’t get one, you can still file by submitting:
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Your contact details
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Apple device serial numbers
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Proof of purchase (receipt or invoice)
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Each eligible device could earn you up to $20, with a maximum of $100 across five devices. Actual payouts may vary depending on the number of valid claims.
Why This Matters to Illinois Users
Illinois is home to one of the strongest privacy laws in the nation — the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) — and this Siri settlement comes amid rising concerns over how tech giants handle user data.
Residents are increasingly wary of:
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Smart speakers activating without prompt
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Phones “listening” during private conversations
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Ads showing up based on voice alone
This case reinforces why users in Chicago and across the state should stay alert about how their devices use and store personal information.
Potential Impact on Daily Life
For families and households:
Voice-activated devices are popular in homes — from helping kids with homework to setting reminders. But their convenience comes with risks. Accidental recordings could lead to data leaks or exposure of sensitive family conversations.
For businesses:
Employees using Siri-enabled devices for work may unknowingly expose client information. This lawsuit signals the need for stricter device policies in workplaces — especially in legal, healthcare, or financial sectors.
For taxpayers:
Though this case isn’t a government lawsuit, it echoes the kinds of tech transparency issues that government regulators in Illinois are increasingly expected to address. Public demand for digital rights enforcement could grow.
Are Voice Assistants Safe Moving Forward?
While Apple insists Siri is designed with privacy in mind, this settlement proves users have power when tech companies fall short. Experts suggest:
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Turning off Siri when not in use
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Adjusting microphone and privacy settings
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Reviewing Apple’s privacy controls on your device regularly
Key Takeaways for Illinois Residents
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Deadline to file: July 2, 2025
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Who qualifies: Anyone with Siri-enabled Apple device from 2014–2024 whose private conversations were potentially recorded
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How much you get: Up to $100 (max of $20 per device)
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Where to apply: Official claim site here
Have you ever suspected your phone was “listening” in on your conversations? Share your experience in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and let us know how you’re protecting your digital privacy.
