**Apple, Samsung Users Eye £480M Payout from Qualcomm Legal Case**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 06, 2025*
A legal case against Qualcomm could lead to a significant payout for Apple and Samsung smartphone users. Consumer group Which? is spearheading the lawsuit, which targets the US chipmaker over alleged anti-competitive practices affecting millions of smartphone buyers between 2015 and 2024.
**The Allegations**
Which? claims that Qualcomm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for critical smartphone components. According to the consumer group, these increased costs were ultimately passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices when purchasing their devices.
The case will be heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, with the trial expected to last five weeks. A key issue is whether Qualcomm abused its dominant market position to the detriment of consumers.
**Potential Payout**
If Which? succeeds, a second phase of the trial will determine the amount of damages to be awarded. The group aims to claim £480 million from Qualcomm, which would be distributed among an estimated 29 million affected British phone owners.
The claim covers all Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024. This could result in a payment of approximately £17 for each impacted consumer.
**Qualcomm’s Position**
Qualcomm has dismissed the allegations, stating the case has “no basis.” The company, one of the world’s largest smartphone chip manufacturers, has faced similar accusations before. Notably, in 2017, the US Federal Trade Commission sued Qualcomm over unfair technology licensing practices; however, that case was dismissed in 2020.
The upcoming trial will be closely watched by consumers and industry observers alike, as it could have far-reaching consequences for smartphone pricing and licensing practices.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/apple-samsung-payout-over-qualomm-lawsuit/story