Apple and Samsung Users Could Receive Share of £480 Million Payout in UK Legal Case
Millions of Apple and Samsung smartphone users in the UK could soon be entitled to a share of a £480 million compensation fund, following a major legal case launched against US chipmaker Qualcomm.
Consumer group Which? has taken Qualcomm to court, alleging that the company abused its dominant market position and overcharged phone manufacturers for technology and licensing fees. According to Which?, those inflated costs were passed on to customers in the form of higher smartphone prices — potentially affecting millions of UK buyers.
- Who Is Behind the Case
The collective action is being led by Which?, the UK’s leading consumer rights organization, on behalf of around 29 million Apple and Samsung users. The lawsuit claims that Qualcomm’s pricing practices have unfairly increased the cost of popular smartphones, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models.
The case officially began in October 2025 and is being heard in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in London.
Who Could Qualify for Compensation
If the claim is successful, the payout could benefit anyone in the UK who purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024.
According to estimates, affected consumers could receive around £17 per phone, although the exact amount will depend on the court’s final decision.
The claim is a collective (opt-out) action, meaning that eligible consumers will automatically be included in the claim and do not need to register unless they wish to opt out.
What Happens Next
The trial will proceed in two stages:
1. Stage One: The court will determine whether Qualcomm’s business conduct was unlawful and amounted to an abuse of market power.
2. Stage Two: If the court rules in favor of Which?, it will then decide how much compensation consumers should receive.
A ruling in favor of Which? could mark one of the largest consumer compensation cases in UK tech history, setting a precedent for how tech giants and suppliers handle licensing and pricing.
What Qualcomm Says
Qualcomm denies any wrongdoing and argues that its business practices are legal and beneficial to the smartphone industry. The company maintains that its technology has enabled the performance and connectivity consumers expect from modern mobile devices.
What Consumers Should Do
At this stage, there is no need for Apple or Samsung users to take action. However, Which? advises consumers to:
Stay updated through official announcements.
Check the Which? smartphone claim website once the court reaches its next decision.
Be cautious of scams or unofficial links claiming to offer payouts.
If the claim succeeds, the funds will be distributed automatically to eligible customers after the court’s approval.
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Summary
Who’s involved: Qualcomm vs. Which?
What’s at stake: £480 million compensation fund.
Who’s eligible: UK residents who bought Apple or Samsung smartphones between 2015 and 2024.
Estimated payout: About £17 per phone (subject to court approval).
Status: Trial currently in progress at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
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Stay tuned for updates — we’ll continue to follow the case as it unfolds and share information on when and how consumers can claim their share of the payout once the court makes its final Ruling
