For anyone who used Apple’s Family Sharing plan between June 21, 2015 and January 30, 2019, a share of a $25 million settlement could now be owed to you. Here’s how to claim your share of the Apple Family Plan settlement today.
Following a major class action lawsuit, Apple settled for $25 million out of court and now full details have started to emerge on exactly who’s eligible for a payout, the amount of money you may receive, and how to file your claim.
Want to see if you’re owed a cut, as well as learn how much the pay out is likely to be for successful applicants? Read on as our handy guide to the latest Apple settlement explains all.
A Recap of Apple’s Family Sharing Plan Lawsuit
The lawsuit hinges around the sleight of hand from Apple when promoting its Family Sharing plan. The service advertised itself as allowing up to six family members to use (and share) any app they wanted.
However, app developers were allowed to opt out of their app being part of the plan, meaning that not every app was actually available on the Family Sharing plan in the end. Needless to say, people weren’t happy about this and Apple faced accusations of using underhand tactics to promote its offering.
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The lawsuit (Walter Peters v. Apple) states that: “Apple has made millions of dollars in fraudulent sales to individuals who Apple told were receiving up to six copies of an App when they were receiving only one.”
Following this, the filing notes: “As a result of Apple’s deceptive and misleading practices, Plaintiffs and the Class Members were induced to purchase subscription-based Apps for which Apple receives hefty fees, believing that those Apps could be shared with up to six family members—when in fact they were available only to the single user who set up the subscription.”
Who is Eligible to Apply in the $25m Apple Settlement?
To qualify for a cut of Apple’s settlement, you’ll need to have met three criteria between the dates of June 21, 2015 and January 30, 2019:
1. Was a U.S. resident
2. Was enrolled in Apple Family Sharing with at least one other person
3. Had purchase a subscription to a third-party app through the App Store
Assuming you tick all these boxes, read on to learn how big a pay out you might receive as well as full details of how to make a claim in the Apple Family Plan lawsuit settlement.
How Much Will the Apple Settlement Actually Pay Out?
It’s also worth knowing that when you bring attorney’s fees into the picture, the $25 million sum instantly gets slashed by 40%. This means the total to be split amongst claimants is more like $15 million, with a maximum payout of $50 per person.
So, if you’re a claimant looking for a huge payday, you may be a little disappointed. But still, holding big tech to account is always a nice alternative.
How to Claim in the $25m Apple Family Plan Settlement
To start your claim, simply head to the Walter Peters v. Apple website. The only data you’ll need to provide is your full name, primary address, and zip code.
Tap on the link text within the sentence ‘You can choose to receive a Class Payment by clicking HERE.’ and ensure you have your Payment ID and PIN to hand.
If you’ve already received a notice about the class action suit you’ll have a Payment ID and PIN. However, if you don’t you can still make a claim, you’ll just need to print the payment election form out and mail it instead.
Now’s the time to get it done too, as the deadline to file a claim is March 1, 2024, with final approving hearing scheduled for April 2, 2024.
