Millions in UK could claim share of £3B after Apple case given green light
A UK competition tribunal has approved a mass lawsuit against Apple, potentially allowing millions of iPhone and iPad users to claim damages of up to £3 billion over alleged anti-competitive practices in its App Store.
Background
- The UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved a £3 billion mass claim against Apple, brought by Dr. Rachael Kent on behalf of 40 million UK iPhone and iPad users.
- The claim alleges Apple abused its dominant market position by charging "excessive and unfair" commissions of 15-30% on in-app purchases via its App Store, arguing these costs are passed on to consumers.
- This is an "opt-out" collective action (similar to a US class action), meaning millions of affected UK users are automatically included unless they choose to withdraw, making it one of the largest such cases in UK history.
- Apple contests the claim, stating 85% of App Store developers pay zero commission and that the store provides value through security and curation.
- The case echoes broader global antitrust battles: Epic Games sued Apple over similar commission practices in the US, and the EU's Digital Markets Act now forces Apple to allow alternative payment systems in Europe.