Reportedly, Apple has reached a $25 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning its Family Sharing feature, aiming to resolve the case. The lawsuit, initiated by Walter Peter, alleged that Apple misrepresented the usage of its Family Sharing feature, particularly in sharing app subscriptions. Although Apple has refuted any claims of providing false or misleading information, the tech giant opted to settle to avoid the costs and burdens associated with a full-fledged judicial trial.
Apple Family Sharing Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that Apple was aware, as of January 30, 2019, that numerous subscription-based apps didn’t support Family Sharing. Despite this knowledge, Apple included advertisements promoting Family Sharing on the landing pages of these apps.
The complaint asserts that users were potentially swayed to purchase Apple devices, believing they could share app subscriptions via Apple’s Family Sharing due to the company’s “deceptive and misleading practices.” However, in reality, users found themselves unable to utilize Family Sharing for as many apps as they had initially anticipated.
The initial court document explains:
“On January 30, 2019, Apple was aware that numerous subscription-based apps lacked support for Family Sharing, yet it featured advertisements promoting Family Sharing on the landing pages of these apps.
Primarily, a significant portion of subscription-based apps, constituting a growing percentage within the Apple ecosystem, couldn’t be shared among designated family members. These apps were exclusively accessible to the individual user who downloaded the app and set up a subscription. Despite this, nearly all of these apps indicated on their landing pages that they supported Family Sharing up until January 30, 2019.“
“Apple generated substantial revenue by leading Family Sharing plan subscribers to believe they would receive up to six copies of an app, whereas in reality, they were only receiving one.“
To swiftly resolve this issue, Apple has consented to pay out $25 million, with $10 million allocated for attorney fees. Class members can potentially receive up to $50 from the settlement, contingent on the number of individuals filing a claim (via MacRumors).
Eligibility for Compensation in Apple Family Sharing Lawsuit
Residents of the United States who were part of a Family Sharing group, inclusive of at least one other person, between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019, and purchased a subscription to a non-first-party Apple app via the App Store within that timeframe, may qualify for compensation. Eligible class members will receive an email notification next week.
Recipients of the email must notify the Settlement Administrator of their preferred mode of receiving the Class Payment. Failure to complete this step will result in the non-receipt of compensation.
Each class member who submits a claim is eligible to receive $30, but this amount may fluctuate depending on the total number of claims received. The maximum compensation for each class member is capped at $50.
Class members eligible for compensation must submit their claims by March 1, 2024. The final hearing to approve the claims is scheduled for April 2, 2024.
If uncertain about eligibility for compensation in the Apple Family Sharing lawsuit, individuals can visit the official lawsuit website or call toll-free at 1-866-914-0236 for clarification.
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