Apple lawsuit: Millions eligible for payouts in $25 million settlement — Are you?

Apple users have the opportunity to claim a share of a $25 million settlement following the resolution of a lawsuit over the tech giant's Family Sharing program. 

The settlement addresses concerns about Apple's Family Sharing perk, a service allowing up to six users to access select pay-per-month apps under a shared subscription.

The lawsuit, Walter Peters v Apple Inc, alleged that Apple engaged in "deceptive" advertising for Family Sharing, promoting it alongside numerous subscription-based apps on the App Store that did not support sharing through the service. 

This allegedly misled millions of customers into purchasing subscriptions through third-party apps. Apple, while settling the case for $25 million, denies any wrongdoing or misleading conduct.

US customers who had a Family Sharing plan and purchased a third-party app subscription between June 21, 2015, and January 30, 2019, are eligible to file a claim under the settlement. The filing deadline is March 1, 2024.

To claim compensation, eligible users must visit the claims website and file through the online platform if they have an identification number and PIN. If not, they must download, complete, and mail in the payment election form from the case's website.

The expected payout for eligible claimants is "up to $30," and they can choose between an electronic ACH transfer or a check as the payment method. The payment preference must be indicated before the filing deadline to ensure eligibility.

Customers deemed eligible will receive an email with information about the settlement. If no notice is received, eligible individuals can still file a claim using the form on the settlement website and mailing it in.

For class members wishing to opt-out, perhaps intending to file a separate lawsuit against Apple, an opt-out request must be submitted by mail to the Peters v Apple Class Action Settlement Administrator by March 1, 2024. Alternatively, an opt-out request form can be completed online, printed, and mailed to the specified address.