Financial campaigner James Daley has launched a £1.5bn class action lawsuit against Apple over its Apple Pay service, alleging anti-competitive behaviour and hidden fees that have affected up to 50 million UK consumers. The case, filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal, claims Apple blocked competition by making Apple Pay the only contactless payment option for iPhone users in Britain over the past decade.
Daley, founder of Fairer Finance, argues that Apple's conduct allowed it to charge hidden fees to banks, which were then passed on to consumers—including those without iPhones. The lawsuit says similar fees are not charged on Android devices, and that about 98% of UK consumers are exposed to banks listing cards on Apple Pay, meaning the vast majority may have been affected.
Apple has called the lawsuit “misguided” and said it should be dismissed, stating that it does not charge fees to consumers or merchants for Apple Pay and that banks benefit from fraud reduction. The company also noted it has recently opened its near-field technology to third-party developers in the UK.
If successful, the case could result in an average payout of £26 per consumer. Daley said he wants to hold Apple accountable and secure compensation for millions who have been unfairly charged. The Competition Appeal Tribunal will now decide whether the class action can proceed.
