Illinois Android Users May Qualify For $135M Lawsuit Settlement

There are Apple users and there are Android users, but the numbers aren't even close.

Android easily wins in the contest of which smart phone operating system people prefer most, dominating Apple with nearly 70 percent of the world's smartphones to Apple's high 20 percent share.

Something that they both have in common is that Apple has had to settle several class action lawsuits over the years, and Android has, too.

Like this latest potential settlement of $135 million.

Before We Get Into This, Keep In Mind That This Is Not Going To Be Enough For You To Retire On If You Qualify For A Piece Of The Settlement

If you’ve ever used an Android phone, there’s a decent chance you could be in line for a small payout from Google, but let’s set expectations right away. This isn’t “set up for life” money. Think more along the lines of covering a nice dinner out.

Google has agreed to a $135 million class-action settlement over claims that its Android operating system collected and transmitted users’ cellular data without proper consent. The lawsuit alleged that data transfers were happening in the background even when phones were idle, apps were closed, or location services were turned off.

Google, for its part, has denied any wrongdoing but they did agree to settle the case rather than continue a lengthy legal fight. As part of the deal, the company has also agreed to make its data practices clearer and give users more control during device setup.

So, How Much Could You Get?

The maximum payout is expected to be up to around $100 per person, but that number will likely shrink depending on how many people file claims, along with legal fees and administrative costs. In other words, you’re probably not booking a luxury vacation, but a steak dinner or a couple rounds at your favorite local spot is definitely in play.

Eligibility generally covers people in the US who used an Android device with cellular data anytime from late 2017 through the settlement period. If approved at a final hearing scheduled for June 2026, payments would follow afterward.

What makes this especially interesting is the sheer number of people who could be eligible. Android is the dominant mobile operating system globally, powering roughly 70% of smartphones worldwide, compared to Apple’s iPhone share in the high-20% range. That translates to billions of Android users, and tens of millions in the US alone who could qualify for a slice of this settlement.

Click here for more information and how to check your eligibility.