By Rory Poulter

Copyright mirror

Millions of Apple and Samsung smartphone users could be set to receive compensation worth roughly £17 per handset if a groundbreaking legal challenge proves successful. Almost 30 million people across the UK who purchased one of these phones between 2015 and 2024 might be eligible for a portion of a £480 million settlement under action launched by consumer champion Which? The legal action targets US technology giant Qualcomm and will be considered by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. The five-week hearing, commencing today, will scrutinise allegations that Qualcomm exploited its market-leading position to impose excessive prices and licensing charges for essential handset parts – expenses which were subsequently reportedly transferred to buyers through higher smartphone costs. Which? contends that Qualcomm’s behaviour constituted anti-competitive practices that unjustly impacted millions of British consumers financially. Chief executive Anabel Hoult remarked: “This trial is a huge moment. 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.” Should Which? prevail, the second phase of the proceedings would involve determining and distributing compensation to an estimated 29 million UK Apple and Samsung handset owners, encompassing devices purchased between October 1 2015 and January 9 2024. Qualcomm has rejected the claims, maintaining the case has “no basis.” The San Diego-based company, one of the world’s leading smartphone chip manufacturers, has faced similar investigations in the past. It was slapped with a fine by the EU for antitrust violations, and a 2017 lawsuit by the US Federal Trade Commission accusing it of unfair licensing practices was thrown out in 2020. A comparable collective action is currently in progress in Canada.