If you are an Apple user and you used its Family Sharing feature any time between 2015 and 2019, you’re due a share of a just announced $25 million settlement.
The lawsuit claimed that Apple falsely represented the capabilities of Family Sharing, particularly in terms of sharing subscriptions to apps. The lawsuit alleged that many subscription-based apps did not support the feature, despite Apple advertising that they actually did.
Since then, Apple has made efforts to improve the Family Sharing feature, tightening up the security dramatically.
Even though Apple decided to settle the lawsuit, it denies that it misled anyone, probably because settling the lawsuit is a far less expensive way to go.
Consumers will get something, but attorneys are likely to get a lot more
The end result of the lawsuit may leave consumers with mixed feelings. The law firms could receive $10 million, but when it comes to the consumer, their payday will be somewhere between $30-$50.
If you fit the criteria and still want that $30-$50 check, here are the specific steps:
- You need to be a U.S. resident who was part of a Family Sharing group with at least one other person between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019, and who purchased a subscription to an app from the App Store during this period.
- If that’s you, then simply go to the Walter Peters vs. Apple Inc. lawsuit page, find the Payment Election Form, and fill it out. You must do this by March 1, 2024.
After that, sit tight. The independent settlement advisor will notify you if Apple identifies you as a class member.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2023-12-22 12:39:06
