Apple users now have the opportunity to claim a portion of a $25 million settlement following the resolution of a lawsuit centered around Apple’s Family Sharing program. The settlement aims to address concerns regarding deceptive advertising practices related to this popular feature.
The lawsuit, titled Walter Peters v Apple Inc, alleged that Apple engaged in deceptive advertising for its Family Sharing program. This service allows up to six users to access select pay-per-month apps under a shared subscription. The crux of the matter was that Apple promoted Family Sharing alongside numerous subscription-based apps on the App Store that allegedly did not support sharing through the service. As a result, millions of customers were purportedly misled into purchasing subscriptions through third-party apps. Despite settling the case for $25 million, Apple denies any wrongdoing or misleading conduct.
US customers who had a Family Sharing plan and purchased a third-party app subscription between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019, are eligible to file a claim under the settlement. The filing deadline is set for March 1, 2024. To seek compensation, eligible users must visit the claims website and file through the online platform using their identification number and PIN. If these details are unavailable, users can download, complete, and mail in the payment election form from the case’s website.
The expected payout for eligible claimants is “up to $30.” Users can choose between an electronic ACH transfer or a check as their preferred payment method. It is crucial to indicate the payment preference before the filing deadline to ensure eligibility.
Customers deemed eligible will receive an email with information about the settlement. However, if no notice is received, eligible individuals can still file a claim using the form on the settlement website and mailing it in. For those wishing to opt out, potentially to file a separate lawsuit against Apple, an opt-out request must be submitted by mail to the Peters v Apple Class Action Settlement Administrator by March 1, 2024. Alternatively, an opt-out request form can be completed online, printed, and mailed to the specified address.
As Apple takes steps to resolve the lawsuit surrounding its Family Sharing program, affected users are encouraged to check their eligibility and file claims before the March 1, 2024 deadline. This settlement provides an opportunity for users to receive compensation for alleged deceptive practices related to Family Sharing and its promotion alongside third-party subscription-based apps.
