Billion-Pound Lawsuit Against Apple Begins in UK Over App Store Monopoly

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A major lawsuit against Apple over its App Store practices has opened in London, with plaintiffs seeking over £1 billion in damages.

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The trial, which began on January 13, aims to determine whether the tech giant abused its dominant position by restricting competition and overcharging users.

Filed in May 2021, the complaint accuses Apple of violating both UK and European competition laws by blocking rival app stores from iPhones and iPads.

The plaintiffs argue that this restriction has led to overcharging for approximately 20 million Apple users in the UK.

Central to the case is the 30% surcharge Apple imposes on in-app purchases, which the plaintiffs argue harms consumers.

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The lawsuit is spearheaded by Rachael Kent, an academic from King’s College London, alongside the law firm Hausfeld & Co.

Billion-Pound Lawsuit Against Apple Begins in UK Over App Store Monopoly

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Kent points out that while this surcharge applies to most apps, it doesn’t affect platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, which offer physical products.

Apple has dismissed the lawsuit as “meritless,” maintaining that it is committed to providing value for its users.

The company has also emphasized that 85% of apps on the App Store are free, and that its commission rates are in line with industry standards.

The case, being heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, is expected to last seven weeks.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for anyone who purchased apps or subscriptions from the UK App Store between October 1, 2015, and November 15, 2024.

If successful, the lawsuit could see damages of up to £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion).

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This legal battle is part of growing global scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices.

The company is also facing other investigations, including one in the European Union, over its restrictions on app developers.

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