Qualcomm Faces £480 Million Lawsuit That Could Pay Millions to UK Apple and Samsung Users
Tens of millions of Apple and Samsung smartphone users across the UK could soon be entitled to compensation after a major antitrust lawsuit accused American chipmaker Qualcomm of overcharging manufacturers — costs that were allegedly passed on to consumers. The five-week trial, which opened this week at London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, could lead to payouts totalling £480 million if the court rules in favour of consumer group Which?, according to The Independent.
A Legal Battle Years in the Making
The case, brought by Which?, represents around 29 million Apple and Samsung smartphone owners. It argues that Qualcomm abused its dominance in the smartphone chipset and patent-licensing markets, forcing phone manufacturers to pay inflated fees for its technology.
Those costs, the claim says, were then passed down to consumers through higher retail prices or reduced product quality.
If the tribunal concludes that Qualcomm did hold and abuse a dominant position, the next stage of the case will assess how much consumers lost and determine the compensation due — currently estimated at around £17 per device, according to Reuters.
Why This Case Matters
“This trial is a huge moment,” said Anabel Hoult, Chief Executive of Which?. “It shows how the power of consumers – backed by Which? – can be used to hold the biggest companies to account if they abuse their dominant position.”
Consumer advocates say the case is about fairness as much as money. It reflects a broader movement across Europe and the United States to challenge the pricing power of major tech firms. The New York Times reported that Qualcomm has faced similar scrutiny overseas, particularly over its practice of charging royalties based on the total price of a device rather than the value of the chip itself — a model regulators have long viewed as anti-competitive.
Who Could Be Eligible
If successful, the claim automatically includes anyone who bought an Apple or Samsung smartphone in the UK between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024. No sign-up is needed — consumers will be part of the claim unless they opt out.
With tens of millions of devices sold during that period, the potential payout could become the largest collective redress ever secured in the UK tech sector.
The Law Behind the Case
This action is rooted in the Competition Act 1998 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, both of which empower consumers to bring “collective proceedings” against companies accused of anti-competitive behaviour.
Under these laws, a business found to have abused a dominant market position — for instance, by charging unfair prices or limiting competition — can be compelled to pay damages to everyone affected.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) was established to handle precisely these types of claims. Once a case is certified, the CAT can allow a single body, such as Which?, to represent all affected consumers. Legal experts note that this case could set a major precedent for future tech and digital-market litigation, potentially reshaping how monopolistic conduct is addressed in the UK and beyond.
Qualcomm’s Response
Qualcomm has not commented publicly on the current UK trial. In previous cases, including in the U.S. and the EU, it has consistently denied wrongdoing, arguing that its licensing structure supports continued investment in innovation and global connectivity.
A 2019 New York Times report described how Qualcomm’s royalties have long been viewed as “a tax on the smartphone industry,” though the company maintains that its technology is fundamental to modern mobile networks.
What Happens Next
The tribunal’s first phase will decide whether Qualcomm misused its market power. If Which? prevails, a second phase will calculate damages owed to consumers. A ruling on liability is expected in late 2025, with potential payments following in 2026.
The broader impact may be even more significant: the case could reshape the boundaries of corporate accountability for global tech firms operating in the UK.
FAQ: Qualcomm Lawsuit — What UK Smartphone Owners Need to Know
1. Am I eligible for compensation in the Qualcomm lawsuit if I own an Apple or Samsung phone?
If you purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone in the UK between October 2015 and January 2024, you are likely automatically included in the Qualcomm class action. You don’t need to register — consumer group Which? is representing all eligible UK smartphone users by default.
2. Can I still claim Qualcomm compensation if I no longer have my Apple or Samsung phone or proof of purchase?
Yes. Even if you no longer have your old phone or receipt, you may still qualify. The Competition Appeal Tribunal can verify eligibility through retailer or mobile network purchase records, rather than individual documentation. Full guidance will be provided if the claim succeeds.
3. How much compensation could Apple and Samsung users receive from the Qualcomm case?
If the Qualcomm lawsuit succeeds, each affected consumer could receive around £17 per smartphone. The exact amount will depend on how many people are included in the final settlement and the court’s calculation of damages — potentially leading to a £480 million total payout across the UK.
4. What will happen if Qualcomm loses the case in the UK?
If the court rules against Qualcomm, the company will be ordered to pay compensation to affected Apple and Samsung smartphone owners in the UK. It could also face increased regulatory oversight from UK and EU competition authorities, reinforcing limits on how dominant tech firms can set licensing fees.
5. How do I opt out of the Qualcomm class action brought by Which?
Consumers are automatically included in the Qualcomm–Which? lawsuit unless they choose to opt out. The opt-out process will be announced by the Competition Appeal Tribunal during the damages phase, expected in 2026. Most eligible users are expected to remain part of the collective claim.
