Which? Sues Qualcomm Over Alleged Overcharging on Apple and Samsung Smartphones

Nearly 30 million UK consumers who purchased Apple or Samsung smartphones between 2015 and 2024 may be entitled to compensation if the consumer group Which? succeeds in its legal case against Qualcomm. The group is taking the US-based chip manufacturer to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, accusing it of anti-competitive practices. Which? claims Qualcomm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for essential smartphone components, which in turn increased the cost of devices for consumers. The trial, beginning on Monday, is expected to last five weeks and will examine whether Qualcomm held market power and, if so, whether it abused its dominant position. If successful, a second phase would seek £480 million in damages, potentially providing around £17 to each affected UK phone owner. Qualcomm has dismissed the case as having ‘no basis.’ This case follows similar legal challenges in Canada and previous EU fines against the company for antitrust violations. Anabel Hoult, CEO of Which?, emphasized the trial’s significance in holding major tech companies accountable for abusing market dominance. Qualcomm is a major global producer of smartphone chips and has previously faced legal scrutiny, including a dismissed lawsuit from the US Federal Trade Commission in 2020 regarding licensing practices.