A professor heading a class action has won a $2 billion award versus Apple's App Store in a landmark UK case that's a match for the Epic Games fight in terms of what it means for the future.

The case, originally filed in 2021, finally went to trial in January 2025. The UK does not have class action lawsuits per se, but a case can be brought by someone representing a group of claimants.

In this case, digital economy specialist and lecturer at King's College Dr. Rachael Kent, brought the complaint specifically against Apple's 30% App Store fees. According to a spokesperson for Dr Kent, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) have voted unanimously in favor of the complaint and the complainant.

"This is a landmark victory — not only for App Store users, but for anyone who has ever felt powerless against a global tech giant," Dr. Kent told AppleInsider. "Every in-app purchase, subscription, and paid download was inflated by Apple's anti-competitive practices. Those unfair fees have added up to billions for the world's richest company, and less choice and innovation for everyone else."

In its ruling, the Tribunal called Apple's restrictions on the App Store unjustifiable.

"On the contrary, the competition which would exist absent the restrictions is in our view much more likely to deliver the benefits that consumers want," said the ruling, "in the form and at the price point they want them."

Specifically, CAT ruled that Apple's practices eliminated all competition on the iPhone and iPad. It found that the 30% commission is excessive, and also that it breaches both UK and European Union competition laws.

The complaint was brought by Dr. Kent on behalf of approximately 36 million iOS and iPadOS users. The court now agrees that those users who have made purchases over the last ten years, have suffered losses of around $2 billion.

"This case proves that the UK's collective action regime is working... [it empowers ordinary people and small businesses to hold even the most powerful corporations to account," continued Dr. Kent. "Today's ruling sends a clear message: no company, however wealthy or powerful, is above the law."

Apple opposed the "meritless" claims

Apple previously called the claims "meritless".

"[The] commission charged by the App Store is very much in the mainstream of those charged by all other digital marketplaces," said Apple in a statement during the case. "In fact, 84 percent of apps on the App Store are free, and developers pay Apple nothing."

Apple has made it clear what its present stance is in a quote to AppleInsider and other venues.

"We thank the tribunal for its consideration but strongly disagree with this ruling, which takes a flawed view of the thriving and competitive app economy.

The App Store has benefited businesses and consumers across the U.K., creating a dynamic marketplace where developers compete and users can choose from millions of innovative apps. This ruling overlooks how the App Store helps developers succeed and gives consumers a safe, trusted place to discover apps and securely make payments.

The App Store faces vigorous competition from many other platforms — often with far fewer privacy and security protections — giving developers and consumers many options in how they build, share, and download apps. We intend to appeal."

Dr Kent's spokesperson called the final ruling "a huge moment for UK consumers and a defining case for the collective action regime." It's claimed that this is the first successful such ruling against a Big Tech company.

The ruling (available here) covers any iPhone or iPad paid-for app purchase made by a UK user since October 1, 2015. More details regarding potential compensation are on the complaint's official site.