Apple Faces $1.8 Billion UK Lawsuit Over Alleged App Store Overcharges

The case accuses Apple of abusing its market dominance to impose excessive fees on developers, allegedly inflating prices for 19.6 million UK users.

The lawsuit, led by academic Dr. Rachael Kent, claims Apple’s 30% commission on App Store transactions has overcharged UK consumers by £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion).
The trial, which began today at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, is expected to last seven weeks and could set a precedent for future cases against tech giants.
Apple argues the claims are meritless, stating that its commission rates align with industry standards and that most apps on its platform are free or subject to reduced fees.
The case highlights broader concerns about Apple’s control over app distribution, with accusations that its practices stifle competition and limit consumer choice.
This is one of several legal challenges Apple faces globally, including a separate UK lawsuit from developers and a recent €500 million fine from the European Commission.