In this newsletter, we explain the current status of the class action against Apple Distribution International Ltd. and Apple Inc. (collectively: “Apple”) and outline the latest developments.
Background
Stichting Consumer Justice brought a class action against Apple for abuse of its dominant position. Apple has a monopoly on the distribution of apps for iOS and iPadOS devices. In practice, apps can only be downloaded and/or purchased via Apple’s own App Store. If app developers wish to reach users of Apple devices, they must offer their apps via the App Store. Apple abuses this dominant position in various ways.
For example, Apple charges an (extremely) high commission on all app sales, subscriptions and/or in-app purchases, which can be as high as 30%. These additional costs are often passed on to app users. Users therefore bear the brunt of these costs. In addition, Apple has employed so-called anti-steering rules. These prevent app developers from directing their users to offers and payment methods outside the app, where more competitive prices could be offered. As a result, app developers were also forced to use Apple’s payment services.
Apple has recently announced changes to its commission structure and anti-steering policy, which will come into effect on 1 October 2026. There has been significant criticism from the market regarding these changes; the commissions remain very high. For in-app purchases, this can still amount to as much as 26%.
As a result of this conduct, (paying) users of the App Store have been suffering losses since 2008. Stichting Consumer Justice is seeking compensation for these losses in the class action.
Recent developments
There have been a number of developments in the class action concerning the App Store. Firstly, Stichting Consumer Justice has launched a completely new registration page on its website (https://www.consumerjustice.eu/en/apple-claim). On this page, you can register for the class action and find all the information about the case as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Secondly, on 13 May 2026, the Amsterdam District Court declared itself competent to rule on all claims that SCJ has brought against Apple on behalf of all users residing in the Netherlands. The ruling can be found here. This means that the case can proceed to the next stage of the proceedings: the admissibility of Stichting Consumer Justice. However, the Amsterdam District Court has decided to stay the proceedings for the time being, pending two judgements from the Supreme Court on the applicability of the collective action regime. Only once the Supreme Court has ruled on this matter will the collective action against Apple resume.
Finally, in the meantime, Stichting Consumer Justice has commented on its governance. The class action against Apple began back in 2021. In recent years, Stichting Consumer Justice has undergone a number of organisational changes. For example, it now has an entirely new board comprising qualified professionals (see About us), its articles of association are now better aligned with the foundation’s purpose (see Documents), and it has a completely new website (https://www.consumerjustice.eu/en). Stichting Consumer Justice has updated the Amsterdam District Court on these points.
Stay tuned
We continue to work hard to protect your interests and to obtain compensation for you and other affected parties and will keep you informed about the progress and developments in this case. For any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@consumerjustice.eu.