Apple denied appeal in £1.2 Billion UK app store ruling

Apple has been denied permission to appeal a major UK ruling that found it abused its dominant position by charging app developers excessive commissions through its App Store, though the company can still take its case to the Court of Appeal.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) said Apple unfairly blocked competition in app distribution and imposed inflated fees, typically 30% instead of a fairer 17.5%.

The ruling, stemming from a lawsuit led by British academic Rachael Kent, could cost Apple more than £1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) in damages for overcharging developers and consumers between 2015 and 2024.

Apple, disputing the verdict, claimed the tribunal misunderstood the competitive nature of the app economy. The decision adds to Apple’s growing global scrutiny over its App Store practices by regulators in both Europe and the United States.