Millions of smartphone users in the UK who purchased an Apple or Samsung device between 2015 and 2024 could be in line for a payout of around £17. This potential compensation hinges on the outcome of a significant legal battle initiated by the consumer advocacy group Which? against the American tech giant, Qualcomm.
The case officially began on Monday at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, with the trial expected to span five weeks. Which? has leveled accusations of anti-competitive behavior against Qualcomm, alleging that the chip manufacturer compelled Apple and Samsung to pay excessive prices and licensing fees for crucial phone components. These elevated costs, according to Which?, were then passed on to consumers in the form of higher smartphone prices. The BBC has reached out to Qualcomm for their perspective on the matter.
The initial phase of the trial will concentrate on determining whether Qualcomm indeed held significant market power and, if so, whether it misused that dominant position. Should Which? prevail in this stage, the process will advance to a second phase, where they will seek £480 million in damages from Qualcomm. This sum would then be distributed among an estimated 29 million British phone owners impacted by the alleged practices. However, this subsequent stage could take several years to finalize.
“We initiated this claim back in 2021, so with this first trial now taking place in 2025, it’s undeniably a protracted effort,” explained Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer for Which?, on the Today programme. “Yet, the real advantage of this system is that consumers aren’t required to do anything… if we win, we will ensure you receive your money.”
Which? is pursuing damages for all eligible Apple and Samsung smartphones bought between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024. The group estimates this would likely translate to approximately £17 per handset. Qualcomm has previously dismissed the case as having “no basis.” It’s worth noting that a similar legal challenge against Qualcomm is currently underway in Canada, and the company has also faced antitrust fines from the EU in the past.
Anabel Hoult, Chief Executive of Which?, emphasized the importance of the trial, stating, “This trial is a monumental occasion. It demonstrates how the collective power of consumers—supported by Which?—can be leveraged to hold even the largest corporations accountable when they exploit their market dominance.” Qualcomm, a global leader in smartphone chip production, has a history of facing allegations related to anti-competitive conduct.
