Quick Links
Apple has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit by paying $25 million, and if you’re one of the affected users, you’re able to get a piece of the pie. Here, we discuss why Apple is paying this settlement, who is eligible for a payout, and how to claim it.
Why Is Apple Paying $25 Million to Settle a Lawsuit?
According to acomplaint filed by Walter Petersin 2019,Apple’s Family Sharing featureis allegedly misleading because it doesn’t work across all apps. As a reminder, Family Sharing lets users share their subscriptions with five other members of their household. However, as developers can always opt out of Family Sharing, users can only share their subscriptions to apps that support it.
Apple’s deceptive marketing practice of its Family Sharing feature is what led to this class-action lawsuit. In thesettlement agreement document, Apple denies making any misleading representations with respect to third-party app subscriptions. However, the company realizes that “continuing to defend this action would be burdensome and expensive.”
The result is a $25 million payout that Apple will deposit in a settlement fund to conclude the case.
How to Check Your Eligibility and File a Claim on Apple’s Settlement
Apple users in the United States who were part of a Family Sharing group with at least one other participant andpaid for a third-party subscription through the App Storebetween June 19, 2025, and June 20, 2025, are eligible to receive a payment.
To file a claim and receive the class payment, you need to head to theWalter Peters vs. Apple Inc. lawsuit page, go through it, and find thePayment Election Form.
If Apple identifies you as a class member, you’ll receive a notification from the independent Settlement Advisor. In that case, you have until August 19, 2025 to opt in to receive a class payment by check or ACH transfer. The final approval hearing is set for August 08, 2025.
How Much of Apple’s $25 Million Payout Can You Claim?
Each class member who opts in to receive a payment by following the instructions above will receive up to $30. However, the final class payment will vary depending on how many people file claims.
Regardless, under no circumstances will the final amount exceed $50, and up to $10 million of Apple’s $25 million payout will be allocated for covering attorney fees.
Like other big tech companies, Apple is no stranger to class-action lawsuits. However, this time, the company agreed to settle the case without admitting fault, liability, or wrongdoing of any kind. We’re just glad affected users can feel somewhat adequately compensated with this payout.
