Apple details $100 million settlement on in-app purchases suit

Apple has released the details of a $100 million settlement in a class-action suit over in-app purchases. Those affected have until January of 2014 to submit a claim form.

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You've probably heard (or maybe even experienced) the horror stories of parents finding hundreds of dollars charged to their iTunes account after their young child learns how to click in-app purchases in games. Apple has reached a $100 million settlement in a class-action suit, which will entitle affected parents to full and partial refunds.

9to5 Mac (via Develop) reports that parents can submit a claim form by January 13, 2014. Valid claims include games with an age rating of 4+, 9+, or 12+ that include in-app purchasing options. You can search if an app is qualified on the settlement page. If your claim exceeds $30 and the purchases took place within a 45-day period, you can get a full refund. If your claim is under $30, you'll only get a $5 refund.

Apple denies responsibility for problems stemming from in-app purchases, but says the settlement is to "avoid burdensome and costly litigation." This settlement only applies to current or former iTunes users in the United States. If you explicitly exclude yourself from this settlement by August 30, you'll still be able to take part in other lawsuits against Apple regarding the allegations in this case.

Develop reports that by its own investigation, only 29% of IAP games in the top 200 highest grossing games directly stated that they had microtransactions in the app description, and only 27% mentioned it in the app itself.

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  • reply
    June 25, 2013 9:00 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Apple details $100 million settlement on in-app purchases suit.

    Apple has released the details of a $100 million settlement in a class-action suit over in-app purchases. Those affected have until January of 2014 to submit a claim form.

    • reply
      June 25, 2013 9:20 AM

      Apple said they are giving $100 million to avoid costly litigation. WTF how much did they think litigation in this kind of case would cost?

      • reply
        June 25, 2013 9:26 AM

        Obviously more than that, and I'm sure they thought there was a higher chance to lose the case which would have added to the costs.

        100 million is pocket change to Apple right now, so it seems like this is a quick fix.

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