TECH NEWS – The court found Apple’s App Store pricing unfair, saying customers were charged too much.

Apple has lost a landmark UK antitrust case that concluded the company charged excessive and unfair fees for app distribution and in-app purchases. As reported by Reuters, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruled that Apple abused its dominant position in the app distribution market by imposing excessive prices on consumers. The suit was originally brought by academic Rachael Kent, who argued Apple reaped disproportionate profits via its 30% commission charged to consumers, developers, and businesses.

Apple has appealed the decision. The tech giant faces potential damages of £1.5 billion, to be determined at a hearing next week where the appeal will also be considered. In a statement, an Apple spokesperson said the ruling overlooks how the App Store helps developers succeed and provides consumers with a safe, trusted place to discover apps and make secure payments, adding that the store faces strong competition from platforms that often offer fewer privacy and security protections.

Speaking to GamesIndustry, Xsolla president Chris Hewish called the ruling a significant shift for mobile gaming: deeming the 30% commission excessive could bring relief to developers long constrained by high fees, potentially lowering Apple’s take toward more competitive levels, freeing revenue for studios, and even reducing in-app prices. He added it strengthens calls for alternative payment systems and distribution, eroding Apple’s control over the iOS ecosystem. While Apple intends to appeal, the decision amplifies global regulatory pressure and may accelerate fairer revenue sharing.

£1.5 billion is no small sum.

Source: GamesIndustry, Reuters, BBC