Around 30 million Apple and Samsung users in the UK could be owed a share of £480 million as part of a legal claim against Qualcomm.
Qualcomm is a global manufacturer of chipsets used in a range of products, including smartphones, to help them connect to 4G networks.
Consumer watchdog Which? has launched a legal claim against the tech company, saying it "abused its position as a dominant company and charged smartphone manufacturers inflated fees".
These increased costs have led to consumers paying higher prices for new mobile phones.
Which? said it believes Qualcomm is abusing its dominant position and breaching competition law by:
- Refusing to license its patents to other competing chipset manufacturers.
- Refusing to supply chipsets to smartphone manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, unless those companies obtain a separate licence and pay inflated royalties to Qualcomm.
Qualcomm has previously said the case has "no basis".
Which Apple and Samsung users can claim a share in £480m?
Which? is seeking reimbursement of more than £480 million for Brits who purchased an Apple or Samsung device at an inflated price due to Qualcomm's "anticompetitive practices".
If the legal claim is successful, anyone who purchased an Apple or Samsung phone in the UK on or between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024, could share in more than £480 million.
1/4 We’re pushing ahead with our legal claim, on behalf of 29 million UK consumers who bought an Apple or Samsung smartphone since 2015, meeting global chip manufacturer Qualcomm in court for a five-week trial, commencing today. https://t.co/mKinVlqmUi
— Which? (@WhichUK) October 6, 2025
You can see if you are eligible for the payout via the 'Smartphone Claim' page on the Which? website.
It is currently estimated that those affected will receive, on average, around £17, if Which? is successful.
This will depend on the device and how many you purchased (between October 1, 2015 and January 9, 2024).
Should you charge your phone overnight?
When Apple and Samsung users can expect payment
If you qualify, you will automatically be included in the claim and receive the appropriate compensation.
These legal proceedings are part of an 'opt-out' regime, meaning you don't have to do anything to get your money back.
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Eligible Apple and Samsung users will not receive payment unless Which? is successful in its legal battle against Qualcomm.
The first of two trials, which is expected to last for five weeks, began on Monday (October 6), focusing on Qualcomm’s abuse of its dominant market positions.
While the second trial, a date for which is yet to be set, will look at the compensation owed to UK consumers as a result of the abuse.
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