Millions of Brits who bought Apple or Samsung smartphones during a certain time period could receive a pay-out
12:11, 10 Oct 2025Updated 12:11, 10 Oct 2025
A case is being brought against US tech giant Qualcomm(Image: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto)
The majority of Brits own smartphones, with many opting for either Apple or Samsung models. Smartphones became incredibly popular in the 2010s, and you or someone you know will have bought one between 2015-2024.
If this applies to you, then you could be eligible for compensation. If you’ve purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone during a specific period, you might be due some cash.
This is contingent on the success of a class action lawsuit against tech behemoth Qualcomm. A trial began on October 6 and is expected to last five weeks, according to consumer group Which?
Which? has taken on Qualcomm on behalf of a whopping 29 million UK consumers who have purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone since 2015. The group alleges that Qualcomm engaged in anti-competitive practices, thereby inflating the prices that Brits paid for smartphones during this period, reports the Express.
Which? is seeking over £480 million in reimbursement for these consumers. The claim this automatically includes those who bought certain models of Apple or Samsung smartphones, whether directly from the manufacturer, network provider or another smartphone retailer.
Those who purchased Apple or Samsung smartphones during a specific period may be owed money(Image: Getty)
However, Qualcomm has previously stated that the claim made by Which? has “no basis”.
During these court proceedings, Which? is seeking damages for all affected Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased between October 1, 2015 and January, 9, 2024.
The consumer group stated: “Which? believes that those affected should get back the money they are rightfully owed, and urges anyone affected to sign up for updates on the action so you can track its progress.”
Qualcomm is a US tech firm holding numerous patents vital to the development of 4G and 5G. Its products, encompassing semiconductors and software, are essential to smartphones.
Which? alleges that the American company refuses to license its patents to other competing chipset manufacturers. It also accuses the company of 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.
Those who purchased a smartphone between 2015 and 2024 could be owed money(Image: Getty)
The consumer group further added: “Which? believes that these practices enable Qualcomm to charge Apple and Samsung artificially high fees for its patents. Those higher fees raise manufacturing costs and are ultimately passed on to UK consumers through inflated prices or lower-quality smartphones.”
Elsewhere, in slightly different but still smartphone-related news, Evri has issued an urgent warning to all customers after finding a 10 per cent increase in fake delivery scams last year.
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With the latest threat targeting iPhone users, the delivery service is urging Brits to remain cautious when receiving texts from the company.
Customers have recently noticed money leaving their bank accounts that they haven’t authorised, with some victims losing hundreds of pounds to the vicious scams.
Primarily targeting iPhone users, the current scam involves fraudsters sending malicious fake Evri profiles to people in hope that those waiting for a delivery will click the link and unknowingly hand over their financial information.