Apple's “Family Sharing” plan, which lets multiple people use the same apps, is the target of a new lawsuit. If you've used the plan in recent years, you might be owed a (tiny) chunk of a $25 million payout.
Anyone who used Family Sharing between June 21, 2015 and Jan. 30, 2019 and purchased a non-Apple app within that timeframe is eligible for their part in the settlement, which will likely add up to about $30 per person.
This isn't even the first lawsuit Apple has settled this month, but it is a sizeable payout: We covered a gift card-related settlement just last week that added up to $1.8 million in total. Now, there's a pot of free money worth over ten times that much. Here's how to get your share.
What's This Apple Lawsuit About?
The class action lawsuit alleges that Apple didn't play fair: The Family Sharing plan is advertised as allowing family members to use any apps they want, but the service allowed app developers to opt out if they wanted — ensuring that not every app was actually available to subscribers.
That was enough for a big class action suit, and enough for Apple to pay for the privilege of settling the whole matter out of court.
🔎 Want to browse the web privately? 🌎 Or appear as if you're in another country?
Get a huge 86% off Surfshark with this special tech.co offer.
So, if you were one of the poor suckers who wasn't able to share with your family every single app that you paid for the right to share, you can now be compensated for your loss. However, you'll still need to jump through a few hoops.
How to Cash In On Apple's $25 Million Settlement
Hoping to claim your entitlement? Read on to learn more about how to make a claim.
Am I eligible for Apple's settlement?
There are just three criteria that you'll need to meet in order to qualify for this settlement:
- Have been enrolled in a Family Sharing group with at least one other person at any point between June 21, 2015 and January 30, 2019.
- Were a U.S. resident during that time period
- Purchased a subscription to an app (that wasn't published by Apple) through the App Store, also during that time period.
If you meet all three of those measures, you are able to ask for part of the settlement — there's no further stipulation on which apps you purchased.
How do I make a claim?
You can file your claim online. Just go to the Settlement Website and click the link within the sentence “You can choose to receive a Class Payment by clicking HERE.”
You'll need to provide some information alongside the form, so make sure to have the following to hand:
What information do I need to provide?
First, the claim process will ask if you have a “Payment ID and PIN,” which will be available to everyone who has received a notice about the class action suit. You may need to check your mailbox for one. If you have the ID and PIN numbers, you can fill them out online.
You can still file without this data, however! You'll just have to print out and mail a payment election form instead. Here's what data you'll need to enter:
- Full name
- Primary address, including city and state
- Zip code
What's the deadline for Apple's settlement?
The deadline to file a claim is March 1, 2024. Your claim will not be processed if filed after this date.
How much money could I receive?
The exact number isn't clear yet, but estimates put the potential payout at around $30.
When could I receive compensation?
The final approving hearing is on April 2nd, 2024. If all goes well, you should receive your settlement sometime afterwards.
