Apple has reached a settlement of $25 million in a class action lawsuit centered around its Family Sharing feature
Apple allowing users and up to five family members to share purchased apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books. Initially filed in 2019, the lawsuit alleges that Apple misrepresented the functionality of Family Sharing, particularly in sharing app subscriptions.
The news was first brought to light by MacRumors.
Despite the settlement, Apple staunchly denies any misleading representations, refuting all allegations of wrongdoing. The settlement agreement underscores Apple’s decision to avoid the burdensome and costly continuation of legal defense while maintaining a stance of non-admission to any fault, liability, or wrongdoing.
According to court documents, the lawsuit posits that Apple inaccurately promoted Family Sharing as available on apps that did not support the feature. Notably, a significant percentage of Apple’s subscription-based apps, a continually growing segment, proved incompatible with designated family sharing. These apps continued to claim Family Sharing support on their landing pages until January 30, 2019.
The lawsuit contends that Apple, aware of this limitation, proceeded to advertise Family Sharing on apps that were not compatible. The court document underscores that “millions of consumers have downloaded subscription-based apps under the assumption of Family Sharing availability, only to discover after payment that such sharing was not possible.
Residents of the U.S. who were part of a Family Sharing group with at least one other person between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019, and purchased a subscription during that period may be eligible for compensation. Eligible class members can anticipate receiving an email notification this week.
Each filing class member is entitled to a $30 claim, with the actual amount contingent on the total number of claims. The maximum compensation per class member is capped at $50. A portion of the $25 million settlement, specifically $10 million, will be allocated for covering attorney fees.
Eligible class members have until March 1, 2024, to file a claim, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2024.
