Apple · Apple Terms and Conditions

Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waiver

High severity
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What it is

YOU AND APPLE AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

Why it matters

This clause removes your right to sue Apple in court or join other consumers in a class action, which is often the only practical way to pursue small individual claims against a large company.

Consumer impact

Apple's Terms of Service govern every digital purchase and subscription across the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, and Apple TV+, meaning the agreement affects virtually all Apple device users in the US. Consumers should be aware that all digital purchases are licenses rather than permanent ownership, auto-renewing subscriptions can have their pricing changed with 30 days' notice, and the mandatory arbitration clause prevents users from participating in class action lawsuits against Apple. You can manage your subscriptions and cancel auto-renewals through Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions on any Apple device before your next billing date.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Opt Out of Arbitration
    Within 30 days
    Review the arbitration section of the Terms of Service for the specific opt-out procedure and deadline. Send written notice of your opt-out by mail to Apple's legal department within the specified timeframe, including your name, Apple ID email, and statement that you are opting out of arbitration.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has authority under FTC Act Section 5 to investigate unfair or deceptive practices including mandatory arbitration clauses that prevent consumers from seeking class-wide relief.
    File a complaint →
  • State AG
    State Attorneys General, particularly in California, have enforcement authority over consumer contract terms including class action waivers under state consumer protection statutes.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Apple Terms and Conditions
Entity
Apple
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001949
Document ID
CA-D-00023
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
c538650b40c254ea487d92eac015e5f5be3ef9134dc8501df3adb67ed969fd92
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Apple | Document: Apple Terms and Conditions | Record: CA-P-001949
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:18:26 UTC | SHA-256: c538650b40c254ea…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/apple/apple-terms-and-conditions/mandatory-arbitration-and-class-action-waiver/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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