The key UK trial accusing Apple of imposing an unlawful “surcharge” on its App Store transactions has opened in the UK, shining a light on the tech giant’s practices. The complaint, filed back in May 2021, claims that Apple breached European and UK competition laws by charging developers up to a 30% commission on in-app purchases and subscriptions, thereby passing costs on to consumers.
The legal action, filed by consumer rights advocate Dr. Rachel Kent, seeks to represent millions of UK iPhone and iPad users who could be eligible for billions in damages. The claim argues that Apple’s policies stifle competition and inflate app prices, effectively creating a monopoly over app distribution.
Apple has dismissed the claims as the commission restores the value and security it offers developers and users. The verdict of this case may add significant weight to the tech world as a whole. This will determine whether a significant change in digital marketplaces will be witnessed. It follows a line of global challenges to Apple’s App Store model, in this case, recent US and EU rulings targeting its payment practices.
