Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) is set to face its first UK class action competition trial on Monday, accused of charging “excessive and unfair” fees on its App Store.
The £1.5bn claim, brought on behalf of millions of UK consumers, alleges Apple abused its market dominance by imposing commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases.
Claimants argue that Apple’s restrictions force developers to distribute apps exclusively through its store, passing inflated costs onto consumers.
Apple denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit “meritless” and noting most apps incur no fees.
The seven-week trial in the Competition Appeal Tribunal is the first competition case of its kind to reach court under UK collective action laws. Apple plans to argue its fees reflect investments in security, tools, and marketing.