Last Updated: December 17, 2023, 10:00 IST
Apple’s family sharing plan doesn’t allow use of third-party apps but the lawsuit still went ahead
Apple offers its own family sharing plan that allows up to 5 members to use different apps from the company but the lawsuit says Apple lied about it.
Apple has a history with legal cases and the company manages to settle them in most cases. Once again, the iPhone maker has made the headlines for settling another case, this time related to Apple’s Family Sharing for which a lawsuit was filed. New report by MacRumors says Apple has paid $25 million for the case, which gives some users the chance to get $30 (Rs 250 approx) from the company for misleading them about the use of apps that are eligible with the Family Sharing plan.
Apple’s family sharing plan is like any other plan, giving you access to a bouquet of apps with up to 5 members of a family but the lawsuit claims Apple wasn’t clear whether the plan includes access to non-Apple apps as well, the report adds.
It seems the complaint refers to the ads on the landing pages from Apple which deceptively says non-Apple apps are also part of the family sharing plan, which was never the case. Interestingly, many people seem to have fallen into the trap of thinking the plan works across other apps, and they even bought the subscription thinking they will get more apps across many people in the family.
The case looks at the Family Sharing group enrollment from June 21, 2015 to January 30, 2019. So, if you had paid for the Family Sharing plan and got a third-party app through the App Store, then you stand to receive compensation up to $30 (Rs 250 approx), as long as you want to get the payment.
The company is clear in its thought process and defends its actions by saying it has done nothing wrong (with these deceptive claims) but the settlement is done, so the case will be closed soon.
Apple is already reaching out to the affected people and telling them the details of the settlement and how they can receive it. However, if some of you don’t get the mail, you have the option to register on the lawsuit’s website till March 1, 2024.