Overview
- The Competition Appeal Tribunal found Apple’s App Store commissions were "excessive and unfair" and amounted to an abuse of dominance.
- The collective case, led by Dr Rachael Kent, covers roughly 36 million iPhone and iPad users in the UK with potential compensation estimated at up to £1.5 billion.
- The tribunal signaled a fair commission benchmark of about 17.5% and a roughly 50% pass‑through to consumers to guide damages, and it set interest at 8%.
- A November hearing will determine how payouts are calculated and consider Apple’s appeal, with reports differing on whether the relevant period ends in 2020 or 2024.
- Apple said it will appeal and defended the App Store’s benefits, while the CMA’s new Strategic Market Status designation raises the prospect of rules such as alternative payments or sideloading.