Apple has lost a lawsuit in the United Kingdom over allegations that it abused its dominant position through its App Store commission policy. The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) issued a ruling that has sparked widespread reaction.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of around 20 million iPhone and iPad users, with a total claim value of £1.5 billion. The plaintiffs argued that Apple’s 30% commission fee charged to app developers was “unfair,” stifled competition, and ultimately caused consumers to bear higher costs.
The court agreed with these arguments, confirming that users are entitled to compensation for the harm suffered. Details on how this compensation will be calculated and distributed among affected users will be clarified during the next hearings scheduled for November 2025. This ruling is considered a significant step forward for the UK’s developing class action system.
Apple, however, strongly disagreed with the decision and announced that it would immediately file an appeal. A company spokesperson stated that the ruling “fails to recognize the support the App Store provides to developers and the secure environment it offers users to discover apps and make safe payments.” According to Apple, the decision misrepresents the realities of a competitive app economy.
It is worth noting that pressure against Apple’s App Store policies continues to grow worldwide. Following this development in the UK, a group of iPhone and iPad users in China also filed complaints with regulators in October 2025, accusing Apple of maintaining a monopoly over the distribution of iOS software. The complainants emphasized that while the company has allowed alternative app stores and payment methods in response to regulatory demands in the EU and the US, it has yet to change its stance in the Chinese market.
