Apple and Samsung Users in UK May Be Due Share of £480m Payout
Nearly 30 million people in the UK who purchased Apple or Samsung smartphones between 2015 and 2024 may be entitled to a significant payout, according to consumer campaign group Which?. The group is taking US tech giant Qualcomm to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London on Monday, accusing the chip company of anti-competitive practices.
The trial, expected to last five weeks, centers around allegations that Qualcomm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for essential handset components. This, in turn, led to increased costs for consumers who bought these smartphones. If Which? is successful, affected individuals may be eligible for a payment of approximately £17.
The case against Qualcomm has been ongoing since 2017, with the European Commission fining the company €997 million (approximately £870 million) for abusing its dominant position in the market. However, this latest development marks a significant escalation in the dispute, as it involves individual consumers seeking compensation.
According to Which?, the affected individuals may include those who purchased Apple iPhones or Samsung Galaxy smartphones during the specified period. The group estimates that around 30 million people in the UK could be eligible for a payout.
"We believe that Qualcomm's anti-competitive practices have had a significant impact on consumers, and we're seeking compensation for those affected," said a spokesperson for Which?. "We hope to bring justice to individuals who have been unfairly charged higher prices for their smartphones."
The trial is set to begin on Monday at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. If Which? is successful, it could lead to significant payouts for affected consumers.
In related news, Qualcomm has faced criticism from regulators and consumer groups worldwide for its business practices. The company has maintained that its actions were lawful and necessary to protect its intellectual property.
The outcome of this trial will be closely watched by both the tech industry and consumer advocacy groups. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Which? will succeed in its efforts to secure compensation for affected individuals.
This article was written based on information from BBC Technology and BBC Business.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
