Thought,

Why Did Apple settle so quickly? What would force them to try to get this resolved now. Thinking about it, they were given "With Predjudice"by Edig, and to do this Edig must have gotten something big. (We shall see).

To get Apple to move EDIG may have a partnership or other buyout type opportunity which is scaring Apple. Something that may happen sooner than later and Apple realizes they have no time to push this out any further.

This new partnership/Entity could be a reason. Apple does not want to have say Google/Samsung to own the patents where they could actually drive Apple to a place they do not want to go. More infringements? not able to sell products due to violation.

Who knows. but it is evident by their lawyers and quick resolutuions, Apple is scared of something.