The tech giant will pay $700 million and allow app makers to collect payments directly from consumers in a settlement it hopes will help resolve other legal challenges.
Scammers have used QR codes to steal personal information by imitating legitimate companies or sending deceptive emails and text messages, the Federal Trade Commission said.
Longstanding texting problems between Android and Apple owners will ease next year. Among other changes, users will be able to send better-quality videos and photos.
The tech giant, which is wrapping up its arguments in the federal monopoly trial, has framed itself as a good corporate citizen that has pushed innovation and helped consumers.