Apple settles Family Sharing lawsuit with $25M payout

Apple has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of misrepresenting the capabilities of its Family Sharing feature.

Filed in 2019, the lawsuit alleged that Apple falsely advertised Family Sharing on apps that did not support the feature, leading users to believe they could share subscriptions. Although Apple denies wrongdoing, it has decided to enter into a settlement, citing the burden and cost of lengthy litigation.

Court documents detail that a significant number of subscription-based apps that cannot be shared through Family Sharing were advertised with this feature until January 30, 2019. Millions of users, expecting to be able to share subscriptions, downloaded these apps and discovered the limitation after making payments.

Eligible users may receive up to $50 as part of the settlement, with a final approval hearing scheduled for April 2, 2024.