Apple Settles Class-Action Lawsuit With US Developers, Establishes A USD 100 Million Fund

In a major development, Apple has reached an agreement with developers of the United States to settle a lawsuit against it. The class-action lawsuit representing a group of developers has been settled with Apple agreeing to establish a USD 100 million fund. The fund will be used by the tech giant to help developers who make less than USD 1 million in a year. Under the settlement, the tech giant has also agreed to share more data with app developers. The company would also allow iOS developers to contact their customers, with permission. These developers can now use information stored inside their apps to inform users about a payment option outside the App Store.

Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow who oversees the App Store, said that the App Store is not only the safest and most trusted place for users but it has also been an economic miracle from the beginning. “The App Store is an amazing place for app developers as it provides them an incredible business opportunity. We would like to thank all the developers who have a stand with us all this time and helped in order to reach these agreements that will not only support the goals of the App Store but will also benefit all of its users,” Schiller said in a statement. It must be noted that there are several developers who have been demanding much more than this.

Moreover, the change that Apple has agreed is not as significant as it may seem. This is because the App Store had already changed it Guidelines in June. Under the changed guidelines, Apple had allowed developers to communicate with customers outside of their apps. However, the tech giant had not allowed app developers to contact users regarding alternate payment options by using the details obtained inside the app. The settlement comes at a time when Apple is involved in a legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic.