Apple contests ruling: Britons could receive up to £1.5 billion in refunds

The fact that companies such as Apple and Google have created a monopoly with their software distribution channels has been a topic of discussion for some time now. In the UK, a court recently ruled that Apple abused its market power in the App Store and charged excessive prices through its well-known 30% commission ("Apple tax").

Apple is contesting the ruling and has lodged an appeal. The court was very specific in its ruling: instead of the usual 30%, the judges ruled that 17.5% for app sales and 10% for in-app purchases would have been more appropriate. Apple, of course, sees things differently and argues that the judges have a "flawed view" of the app economy. The company highlights that the App Store supported the British economy with over $55 billion in 2024 alone and that the platform offers developers a secure environment. Furthermore, the tech giant also states that many developers only pay a 15% commission.

Should Apple's appeal fail, many other similar lawsuits against Google and Apple may follow. In addition to customers, developers themselves are also fighting back against the fees. In another lawsuit, over 2,000 app developers are seeking up to £1 billion in compensation, accusing Apple and Google of disproportionately burdening smaller studios with arbitrary commissions. Hence, the courts in the United Kingdom may become a major challenge for Apple and Google in 2026.