Apple is facing a $1.8 billion lawsuit in the UK, accused of abusing its dominant position by charging 30% commission on app sales through the App Store, allegedly costing consumers up to £1.5 billion.
The case, brought by academic Rachael Kent on behalf of 20 million iPhone and iPad users, argues that Apple’s monopoly on app distribution leads to excessive charges passed on to consumers.
Apple denies the claims, arguing that the iOS ecosystem offers security and privacy benefits and that 85% of developers pay no commission.
The case, at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, is the first of its kind under the UK’s growing class action system, with similar lawsuits against Google, Meta, and Amazon in the works.
The trial is expected to last seven weeks, with Apple CFO Kevan Parekh set to testify.
