Claim Administrator Angeion Group Reminds Small iOS App Developers of Impending Claim Deadline
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Angeion Group today reminds small developers of Apple iOS applications sold in Apple’s U.S. App Store that the deadline to file your claim under a class action settlement with Apple is May 20, 2022. Eligible small developers on iOS can get a minimum cash payment of $250 to $30,000 from the $100 million settlement fund with no strings attached.
There are approximately 67,000 potential members of the settlement class. The lawyers representing the class of small developers and Apple have asked Angeion Group to encourage all eligible developers to submit claims. Any leftover funds from the settlement fund will be distributed to developers that have submitted eligible claims or to a charity.
Claims may be filed at the settlement website www.smallappdeveloperassistance.com
You may be included in this settlement and entitled to receive a payment if you are or were a U.S. developer of any Apple iOS application or in-app product (including subscriptions) that:
- Was sold for a non-zero price
- Was sold via Apple’s iOS App Store between 2015 and 2021, and
- Earned, together with any other iOS applications or in-app products (including subscriptions) sold through all of your associated developer accounts, proceeds equal to or less than $1,000,000.00 through the App Store U.S. storefront in every calendar year from June 4, 2015 to April 26, 2021 in which you had a developer account.
What does the settlement provide?
In light of the contributions made by small developers to the app economy, Apple has established a $100 million fund as part of this settlement (the “Small Developer Assistance Fund”). After deducting any Court-approved attorneys’ fees and expenses, service awards, and the costs of settlement notice and administration, the net Small Developer Assistance Fund will be made available to Settlement Class Members who submit timely and valid claims.
As part of the settlement, Apple has also agreed to a number of additional commitments for three years, including:
- Maintaining a commission rate of no greater than 15% for U.S. developers who are enrolled participants in the Small Business Program, subject to program participation requirements.
- Permitting U.S. developers to communicate with their customers via email and other means outside their apps about purchasing methods other than in-app purchase;
- Expanding the choice of App Store price points; and
- Publishing an annual App Store transparency report with data on App Review, search, security, and more.
How much will my payment be?
The Small Developer Assistance Fund will be distributed to all Settlement Class Members who submit timely and valid claim forms. Each such U.S. developer will be entitled to a minimum payment of $250.00. U.S. developers may qualify for a higher payment based on their total proceeds during the relevant period (from June 4, 2015 to December 31, 2020).
|
Total U.S. App Store Proceeds (during relevant time period) |
Potential Minimum Payment |
|
$100 or less |
$250 |
|
$100.01 – $1,000 |
$500 |
|
$1,000.01 – $5,000 |
$1,000 |
|
$5,000.01 – $10,000 |
$1,500 |
|
$10,000.01 – $50,000 |
$2,000 |
|
$50,000.01 – $100,000 |
$3,500 |
|
$100,000.01 – $250,000 |
$5,000 |
|
$250,000.01 – $500,000 |
$10,000 |
|
$500,000.01 – $1,000,000 |
$20,000 |
|
Over $1,000,000 |
$30,000 |
These minimum payments are subject to change based on the total number of approved claims, among other factors. Settlement Class Members may visit www.smallappdeveloperassistance.com for their specific estimated payment amounts from the settlement.
How do I get a payment?
You must submit a timely and properly completed Claim Form no later than May 20, 2022. You may request a claim form or submit one online at www.smallappdeveloperassistance.com.
When and where will the court consider the proposed settlement?
The Court will hold a final approval hearing at 2 P.M. on June 7, 2022, at the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Oakland Courthouse, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612. The hearing may be moved to a different date or time without additional notice, so it is a good idea to check the website at www.smallappdeveloperassistance.com to confirm the details.
At this hearing the Court will consider whether to approve the settlement, Class Counsel’s request for attorneys’ fees and expenses, and the service awards to the named Plaintiffs. If there are objections, the Court will consider them at this time. After the hearing, the Court will decide whether to approve the settlement. The Court’s decision may be appealed.
How do I get more information?
For more information, including the full Notice, Claim Form, and Settlement Agreement go to www.smallappdeveloperassistance.com, contact the Settlement Administrator at 1-833-920-3778, or email your questions to info@smallappdeveloperassistance.com.
PLEASE DO NOT TELEPHONE THE COURT OR THE COURT CLERK’S OFFICE TO INQUIRE ABOUT THIS SETTLEMENT OR THE CLAIM PROCESS. All questions regarding the Settlement or claims process should be directed to the Settlement Administrator.
Contacts
Media:
Angeion Group
Steven Weisbrot
Chief Executive Officer
(215) 563-4116