Yes, it’s true. Apple is willing to give you (back) some money.
According to news sources like CNN and ABC News, Apple has reached a settlement that will have them shelling out $32.5 million to parents whose kids made in-app purchases without their consent.
WHAT? you say. How could such a thing happen? It seems Apple forgot to tell consumers that when you enter your password for the App Store, thus opening the door for in-app purchases, that door stays open, swinging in the breeze, for 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes when Little Bubba can buy anything his tiny heart desires. Without your consent. So yeah, you told him he could buy that one app he just HAD to have. But you DIDN’T tell him he could spend $500 on other stuff while playing it.
I’ve known parents this has happened to, and in all cases, Apple was willing to work with them to refund the money (or at least a portion of it). But that didn’t do anything to help with the heart palpitations the parent got when the iTunes receipt arrived, and it didn’t help Little Bubba avoid the longest time-out in the history of the world. It also didn’t keep the parents off the phone with Apple’s customer support people, and we all know how awesome those kinds of calls can be. So this settlement with the Federal Trade Commission offers some additional relief.
Apple has until March 31 to make changes to its billing procedures and offer refunds, so at this point it’s unclear when or how the refunds will happen (some have already taken place as part of a class action lawsuit on this same topic that was settled in 2013). For now, if you have questions, contact iTunes Store support here.
There's also a way to turn off in-app purchases altogether. For more on that topic, read Kelli's instructions.
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Emilie's daughter has done her best to make in-app purchases without her mom's consent. There is not enough allowance money in the world to cover them all.
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