Apple Settles $25 Million Lawsuit Over Family Sharing Feature

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ICARO Media Group
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18/12/2023 22h11

In a recent development, tech giant Apple has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for $25 million, addressing allegations related to their Family Sharing feature. While the case does not involve controversies like iPhone slowdown or patent infringement, it centers around the misleading advertising of the subscription-sharing capability within the Family Sharing feature.

The lawsuit claims that Apple advertised Family Sharing as a way for users to split the cost of a subscription with their close friends and family. However, third-party developers had the option to opt-out of this feature, leading to instances where users unknowingly subscribed to a platform on the App Store only to find out that they couldn't share it with others, ultimately being left to pay the entire bill themselves.

Apple maintains that they have done nothing wrong, but they have chosen to settle the case for $25 million nonetheless, despite their current market capitalization surpassing $3 trillion.

Eligible claimants in this lawsuit settlement are entitled to a minimum of $30, with the potential for the final amount to reach up to $50 depending on the total number of claimants involved. Remarkably, the attorneys involved in the case will receive up to $10 million in compensation.

To make a claim in the Apple Family Sharing lawsuit settlement, participants must have been enrolled in a Family Sharing group with at least one other person between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019. Additionally, they must have been a U.S. resident at the time and have purchased a subscription to a non-Apple app. Those meeting these qualifications can file a claim either online, using a PIN provided if contacted directly, or via mail without the PIN.

It's important to note that by making a claim, individuals relinquish their right to sue Apple in relation to this specific matter. Those who prefer to maintain the option to take legal action in the future will not be eligible to receive compensation at this time.

Overall, this settlement brings some resolution to the controversy surrounding the subscription-sharing feature within Apple's Family Sharing service. While the company denies any wrongdoing, the agreement to settle reflects their commitment to addressing the concerns raised by users.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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