A £1.5 Billion Battle: Campaigner Takes on Tech Giant Over Hidden Fees in UK's Mobile Wallet Market
In a move that could have significant repercussions for consumers, financial campaigner James Daley has launched a massive class action lawsuit against Apple, claiming the tech giant has been charging hidden fees to users of its mobile wallet service, Apple Pay. The suit alleges that Apple's anti-competitive tactics have blocked competition and pushed up costs for banks, which in turn led to higher charges for consumers.
At the heart of the dispute is Apple Pay, which has been the only contactless payment service available to iPhone users in the UK over the past decade. Daley claims that by dominating this market, Apple was able to charge banks and card issuers fees on Apple Pay transactions that are not in line with industry practice. This, he argues, has resulted in increased costs for consumers, who have been unwittingly passed on these charges through various personal banking products.
The lawsuit alleges that similar fees are not charged on equivalent payments made on Android devices, which are built by Google. With estimates suggesting that 98% of UK consumers have been exposed to banks that list cards on Apple Pay, the case has significant implications for millions of people who may have been affected.
According to Daley, Apple's actions have resulted in higher banking costs for consumers over many years. "People will have no idea they've been paying more for everyday banking because of the way Apple has operated Apple Pay," he said. The potential payout for consumers could be as low as £26 on average, but Daley argues that it is worth fighting for.
Apple has responded to the lawsuit by stating that it is "misguided and should be dismissed". However, Daley remains undeterred, saying that the case highlights the need for greater scrutiny of big firms like Apple. "I want to help them get back what they're owed," he said. "It's also important that big firms like Apple are held to account for this kind of anti-competitive behaviour."
In a move that could have significant repercussions for consumers, financial campaigner James Daley has launched a massive class action lawsuit against Apple, claiming the tech giant has been charging hidden fees to users of its mobile wallet service, Apple Pay. The suit alleges that Apple's anti-competitive tactics have blocked competition and pushed up costs for banks, which in turn led to higher charges for consumers.
At the heart of the dispute is Apple Pay, which has been the only contactless payment service available to iPhone users in the UK over the past decade. Daley claims that by dominating this market, Apple was able to charge banks and card issuers fees on Apple Pay transactions that are not in line with industry practice. This, he argues, has resulted in increased costs for consumers, who have been unwittingly passed on these charges through various personal banking products.
The lawsuit alleges that similar fees are not charged on equivalent payments made on Android devices, which are built by Google. With estimates suggesting that 98% of UK consumers have been exposed to banks that list cards on Apple Pay, the case has significant implications for millions of people who may have been affected.
According to Daley, Apple's actions have resulted in higher banking costs for consumers over many years. "People will have no idea they've been paying more for everyday banking because of the way Apple has operated Apple Pay," he said. The potential payout for consumers could be as low as £26 on average, but Daley argues that it is worth fighting for.
Apple has responded to the lawsuit by stating that it is "misguided and should be dismissed". However, Daley remains undeterred, saying that the case highlights the need for greater scrutiny of big firms like Apple. "I want to help them get back what they're owed," he said. "It's also important that big firms like Apple are held to account for this kind of anti-competitive behaviour."
I'm not surprised about this, seems like a classic case of a giant company trying to squeeze every last penny out of its customers. But what really gets my goat is how they're able to get away with it without anyone doing anything about it 
. I mean, 98% of UK consumers have been affected? That's like, basically everyone! It's crazy that no one has stepped in yet. And now Daley's taking on the big boy, Apple. Good for him, but I wonder if he'll be able to take them down 
. Maybe this is just a way for Apple to distract us from something bigger? 
. I'm rooting for James Daley in this class action lawsuit 
, it's about time big firms like Apple are held accountable for their actions 
.
it's like they're saying 'hey, we're apple, you gotta pay us money to use our phones'... meanwhile, google gets to charge zero fees on android devices 
I GET WHERE HE'S COMING FROM, THOUGH - IF APPLE'S DOMINATING THE MARKET AND CHARGING HIGHER FEES, THAT'S NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMERS. BUT £26 IS A BIT OF A BUMMER, DON'T YOU THINK? 