Apple Faces $7 Billion Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Monopoly in App Store Pricing, Trial Set for February 2026
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
3 minutes read. Updated 4:00PM GMT Mon, 15 July, 2024
Apple Inc. is slated to appear in a February 2026 jury trial to defend against a $7 billion class action lawsuit. Filed in a California federal court, the lawsuit accuses Apple of monopolizing the iPhone app market, which allegedly led to inflated prices for consumers.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers finalized the trial date following her decision earlier this year to certify the case as a class action, encompassing all U.S. Apple customers who spent $10 or more on app or in-app purchases since 2008.
Originating in 2011, the lawsuit contends that Apple artificially increased the 30% commission it charges app developers on its App Store. Plaintiffs argue these costs were passed on to consumers, resulting in higher app prices. Court documents reveal an expert estimates damage between $7 billion and $10 billion. Apple’s appeal to challenge the class certification was declined by an appeals court in May.
Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing but has not issued immediate comments on recent developments. Mark Rifkin, representing plaintiffs from Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz, stated, “Nearly all pretrial preparations are complete, and we eagerly anticipate this crucial trial.”
In a separate case, Judge Rogers is assessing whether Apple complied with an order allowing developers to offer alternative payment methods for in-app purchases, as demanded by a lawsuit from “Fortnite” creator Epic Games, which does not seek monetary damages.
Simultaneously, the U.S. government and several states are pursuing a federal lawsuit in New Jersey, alleging Apple monopolized the smartphone market. Apple refutes these claims and intends to move for dismissal, with the initial hearing scheduled for July 17.
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