Apple settles class action lawsuit filed by app developers

Apple settles class action lawsuit filed by app developers

San Francisco, Aug. 30, 2021

Apple has settled a class action lawsuit brought by app developers in the U.S. after mounting pressure against its anti-steering policy. Apple will allow developers to contact customers directly, inform them of purchasing options outside of iOS, and expand the price points they can offer for subscriptions, in-app purchases, and paid apps.

Under the settlement, Apple will pay $100 million to small developers who earned less than $1 million from their apps between 2015 and 2021.

Apple will also maintain its Apple Store Small Business Program for at least three years. The program reduces the commission paid to Apple by developers who earn less than $1 million per year by 15%.

Apple said the settlement is part of its history of making the App Store a better marketplace for users and developers. It said the App Store is „an economic miracle“ and „an incredible business opportunity for developers to innovate, thrive and grow.“