Looking ahead, the tribunal has outlined a two-stage trial. The first stage will explore whether Apple abused its dominant market position, while the second will determine the amount of damages payable.
Apple’s battles over its power management tool are not limited to the U.K. In the U.S., the company reached settlements in class actions for up to $500 million and resolved regulatory action for $113 million. In France, Apple faced a €25 million ($27 million) fine for failing to inform consumers that updates to their iPhone’s operating system would slow down older devices.
The claimants estimate that each affected iPhone in the U.K. was worth £25 less, on average, than its purchase price. The cumulative losses due to reduced iPhone functionality are valued at no less than £853 million, according to the claimants.
The Final Act
As the legal curtain rises on this billion-dollar showdown, Apple now confronts an intense legal battle that could have a substantial impact on its operations in the U.K. The full panel of judges overseeing the case consists of Justin Turner, Jane Burgess, and Derek Ridyard.
