Apple Faces Over $1B Risk After Tribunal Blocks Appeal in UK Case

Apple has been denied permission to appeal a UK ruling that found it abused market dominance by overcharging developers and restricting competition, leaving the company facing more than $1B in potential liability. The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) confirmed the decision in London. Apple can still apply to the Court of Appeal within 21 days.

Reuters reported that the CAT concluded in Oct. 2025 that Apple used its position in app distribution to impose unfair commission fees. The tribunal determined that the company’s 30% commission was significantly higher than a fair rate of 17.5%, and that developers passed part of the excess cost to consumers.

Apple market abuse ruling heightens UK regulatory pressure

The case was filed by British academic Rachael Kent, who said Apple blocked competition and imposed excessive fees on developers. 

Apple rejected the claims and said the ruling misrepresents a functioning and competitive app economy. The CAT maintained its view that Apple restricted alternative distribution and benefited from its control of the ecosystem.

The refusal to allow an appeal adds to the scrutiny surrounding Apple’s fee practices. A recent Aptoide survey found that 84% of senior developers believe the industry cannot sustain the current dependence on Apple and Google’s platforms due to high costs and limited alternatives.

In parallel, the UK Competition and Markets Authority has designated Apple and Google as firms with strategic market status. The designation covers mobile operating systems, app distribution, and browsers. It also places both companies under new rules similar to those in the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.

Apple has not confirmed whether it will escalate the case to the Court of Appeal. The outcome will influence ongoing oversight of app store operations and how regulators approach commission structures that have shaped mobile software economics for more than a decade.