How To File - Apple Settles $25M Lawsuit over Family Sharing

Apple has settled a $25M lawsuit over its Family Sharing feature. The lawsuit alleged that Apple misrepresented the ability to share subscriptions. Apple denies any wrongdoing but settled to avoid costly defense. Eligible class members could receive up to $50.

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Overview

In a recent development, Apple has agreed to pay a $25 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit related to its Family Sharing feature. The feature allows users to share access to apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books with up to five family members. The lawsuit, which was initially filed in 2019, alleges that Apple misrepresented the ability to share subscriptions through its Family Sharing feature. While Apple denies any fault or wrongdoing, it has chosen to settle the case to avoid the burden and expense of continued litigation.

Background

The lawsuit against Apple revolves around allegations that the company misled consumers about the functionality of its Family Sharing feature. Family Sharing is a popular feature that allows users to share content purchased from the App Store with their family members. However, the lawsuit claims that Apple falsely advertised the ability to share subscriptions to apps through Family Sharing, leading consumers to believe they could share subscription-based apps with their family members.

Lawsuit Allegations

According to court documents, Apple placed ads for Family Sharing on apps that did not actually support the feature. The lawsuit alleges that Apple was aware that subscription-based apps could not be shared through Family Sharing but still advertised the feature on those apps. As a result, millions of consumers downloaded subscription-based apps under the false impression that they could share them with their family members. It was only after making the purchase that they discovered the apps were not eligible for Family Sharing.

Settlement Agreement

Apple has agreed to pay a $25 million settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit. However, it is important to note that the company does not admit any fault, liability, or wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Apple states that it entered into the agreement to avoid the burden and expense of continuing to defend the lawsuit. The settlement agreement emphasizes that Apple's decision to settle should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Apple's Response

TechCrunch reached out to Apple for comment on the settlement, but the company did not provide a response. Apple's silence on the matter leaves room for speculation about its standpoint on the lawsuit and the reasons behind its decision not to comment.

False Advertisements

The lawsuit highlighted the issue of false advertisements related to Family Sharing. Apple advertised Family Sharing as an option on apps that did not actually support the feature. This misleading advertising gave the impression that subscription-based apps could be shared through Family Sharing, when in fact, they could not. The court documents allege that this misrepresentation led to millions of consumers downloading apps under the false belief that they could be shared with their family members.

Consumer Impact

The impact on consumers cannot be underestimated in this case. Millions of individuals were deceived by false advertisements and downloaded subscription-based apps with the expectation that they could share them with their family members. Upon realizing that they were unable to do so, these consumers experienced a profound sense of disappointment. The misrepresentation by Apple not only resulted in false expectations but also wasted time and money for those affected.

Eligibility for Payment

To be eligible for a payment from the settlement, individuals must meet certain criteria. The settlement is available to U.S. residents who were enrolled in a Family Sharing group with at least one other person between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019. Additionally, they must have purchased a subscription to an app from the App Store during that time. If these conditions are met, individuals may be eligible to receive a payment as part of the settlement.

Claim Process

The claim process for eligible class members involves receiving a notification about their eligibility and the details of the settlement. Class members will be notified via email, providing them with instructions on how to file a claim. It is important for eligible individuals to review the requirements for filing a claim and adhere to the specified deadline. Class members have until March 1, 2024, to file their claims. If you fit the criteria, you can file a payment election claim on the Peters Family Sharing Plan site.

Step 1. Whether or not you were part of the initial class action lawsuit - You can choose to receive a Class Payment by clicking HERE
Step 2. Select if you have Payment ID and PIN (because you received notification from law firm).
Step 3. IF YOU DON'T have Payment ID and PIN (presumably because you were not part of the original lawsuit - but meet the eligibility for payment described above) chose
I DO NOT have a Payment ID but I would like to download a personalized payment election form
Step 4. Download and complete form - mail your payment election form to the Claims Administrator so that it is postmarked no later than March 1, 2024.

Final Approval Hearing

A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for April 2, 2024. During this hearing, the court will assess the fairness and adequacy of the proposed settlement. It will consider the interests of the class members and determine whether the settlement should be approved. The outcome of this hearing will determine the final resolution of the lawsuit and the distribution of payments to eligible class members.

In conclusion, Apple's decision to settle the class-action lawsuit over its Family Sharing feature reflects the company's desire to avoid further litigation. While the settlement amount of $25 million will provide some compensation to affected consumers, it is important to note that Apple denies any fault, liability, or wrongdoing. The case sheds light on the issue of false advertisements and the impact they can have on consumer expectations. The settlement provides an opportunity for eligible class members to receive payment, and the upcoming final approval hearing will bring closure to the proceedings.

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