Apple agrees to create $100M fund, make App Store changes to settle developer lawsuit

Apple on Thursday announced an agreement that settles a lawsuit brought by U.S. developers against App Store practices, with terms including the institution of a $100 million Apple Small Developer Assistance Fund.

Apple and representatives for plaintiffs announced the settlement in a pair of press releases, each noting that multiple changes and improvements are coming to the App Store.One of the major policy modifications pertains to developer communication. App makers can now reach out to customers via email and other methods — with consent — to discuss alternative payment methods, effectively avoid App Store commissions. In-app communications about such topics are still forbidden.

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