Summary
Nearly 30 million people in the UK who bought an Apple or Samsung smartphone between 2015 and 2024 might get around £17 each if the consumer group Which? wins a legal case against Qualcomm. The group accuses Qualcomm of making Apple and Samsung pay high prices for phone parts, which increased the cost of smartphones for consumers. The case is being heard in London and could lead to a £480 million payout if successful.
Key Facts
- Approximately 30 million UK Apple and Samsung phone buyers could be part of a £480 million claim.
- The consumer group Which? is suing Qualcomm for alleged anti-competitive actions.
- The court case will take place at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London.
- The trial could last five weeks and will investigate Qualcomm’s market power and practices.
- Qualcomm allegedly charged high prices for essential phone components, raising consumer costs.
- If Which? is successful, affected consumers might receive about £17 each.
- Similar legal actions against Qualcomm are ongoing in Canada and were previously in the EU.
- Qualcomm has a history of facing allegations over anti-competitive behavior with previous cases in the EU and the US.
