UK Apple & Samsung users, including expats, in line for Payouts – Are you owed money?

After consumer group Which? launched a major legal action against American tech giant Qualcomm, it is expected that millions of smartphone owners will receive compensation soon. A major legal action was launched against American tech giant Qualcomm accusing it unfair pricing practices which may have cost hundreds of millions pounds to consumers.

The case, now underway at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, could see 29 million Apple and Samsung users receive around £17 per phone, adding up to a total compensation of £480 million (€560 million) if Which? wins.

Apple and Samsung customers could be paid

The case revolves around the allegation Qualcomm overcharged major smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung, for chip technology. According to Which? these inflated fees have been passed onto consumers as higher retail prices.

Anabel Hoult is the Chief Executive Officer of Which?. “It demonstrates how consumers, supported by Which? can hold big companies accountable when they abuse their dominant positions.”

If Qualcomm violated competition law, the trial is expected to take five weeks. If the judges decide in Which?’s favour, the second stage will focus on how much the company must pay back – and how the money will be distributed among affected customers.

Senior Which? Lisa Webb, an attorney at Lisa Webb told the BBCIf we win, we’ll get you your money. We’ll refund your money if you win.

Who is Eligible? Who is eligible?

You’re probably a member of this group, whether you live in the UK or overseas.

• You bought a new Apple smartphone or Samsung smartphone.
• The purchase took place in the United Kingdom.
• The transaction took place after October 1st, 2015.

If you meet the three criteria above, you will automatically be included in the estimated 29,000,000 affected consumers. The claim applies to all phones purchased from UK retailers, whether they are bought outright or on mobile contracts.

No Sign-Up Needed: Understanding the ‘Opt-Out’ System

What’s the good news? Right now, you don’t need to fill out any forms or sign up. This is what’s called an ‘opt-out’ collective action, which means you’re already part of the claim by default if you’re eligible.

You don’t need to pay legal fees or register in advance – you’re automatically included unless you choose to opt out. If the case is won, the official procedure to claim compensation will be announced publicly, and users who are eligible will then receive an invitation to submit their information.

Qualcomm denies all wrongdoing

Qualcomm has rejected all allegations, calling the case ‘baseless.’ The company maintains that its licensing policies are legal, and that it has contributed to innovation in smartphone technology for many years.

It is not the first instance that Qualcomm has been scrutinized. It has previously been fined by the European Union for antitrust issues and has faced similar lawsuits in Canada and the United States — though some cases, including one filed by the US Federal Trade Commission in 2017, were later dismissed.

What’s Next for Millions of UK Consumers

In the first phase, Qualcomm will be determined to have violated competition laws. If it did, the next step will be to decide how much compensation UK consumers are owed — a process that could still take several years.

You’re eligible to claim if you purchased an iPhone or Samsung in the UK from 2015-2024. There is no need to take any action, fill out forms, or pay for anything.

According to Which? puts it: “You don’t need to lift a finger – just wait, and if we win, we’ll make sure you get what you’re owed.”