Apple On Path To Settle With US Developers

Apple is promising to pay huge money to settle a class-action lawsuit with software developers who challenged the tech giant’s practices in connection with the App Store, WSJ explains.

 Apple today announced a number of changes coming to the App Store that, pending court approval, will resolve a class-action suit from US developers. The terms of the agreement will help make the App Store an even better business opportunity for developers, while maintaining the safe and trusted marketplace users love. Apple appreciates the developer feedback and ideas that helped inform the agreement, and respects the ongoing judicial review process.

The agreement clarifies that developers can share purchase options with users outside of their iOS app; expands the price points developers can offer for subscriptions, in-app purchases, and paid apps; and establishes a new fund to assist qualifying US developers. The updates constitute the latest chapter of Apple’s longstanding efforts to evolve the App Store into an even better marketplace for users and developers alike.

“The proposed settlement disclosed Thursday marks the latest step in legal battles Apple has had in recent years with small companies as well as larger entities such as Epic Games Inc., Match Group Inc . and  Facebook Inc. that distribute apps through its platform. Some of those disputes involving the company’s App Store practices have gone as far as the Supreme Court.

“Apple launched the App Store in 2008 and has since sharpened its focus on services business to drive revenue and profits. It has also fielded criticism from developers, regulators and lawmakers over alleged anticompetitive practices in connection with the App Store. The company has lowered App Store fees for smaller developers among other concessions and has largely defended its business practices and touted the economic opportunities of its software ecosystem.”

If you look at the whole thing, Apple is getting away easily here.