Apple now faces major antitrust damages claims in the Netherlands after Europe’s top court said Dutch judges can hear the case. The decision opens the door for two consumer rights groups to pursue compensation linked to Apple’s App Store rules. The case centers on years of complaints about high commissions and restricted payment options.
The ruling came from the Court of Justice of the European Union. Reuters reported that the tribunal in the Netherlands asked the court for clarity before moving ahead. Apple argued that Dutch courts had no jurisdiction because the alleged harm happened outside the country. Judges rejected that position and said the App Store for Dutch users is a local digital marketplace.
In a response shared with Reuters, Apple said it disagreed with the ruling and called it a procedural decision. The company said it plans to defend itself in the Dutch proceedings and believes the claims lack merit. The foundations behind the case estimate the damages for Dutch iPhone and iPad users at around 637 million euros.
Dispute Over App Store Fees
The consumer groups say Apple’s App Store fees for third-party apps are too high and harm both competition and users. They point to the commission rates for in-app payments, which reach 30 percent. Because the App Store for Dutch users uses the Dutch language and requires a Netherlands-linked Apple ID, the court said the harm can occur inside the country, even if buyers are traveling or living elsewhere.
A hearing on the full merits of the case is expected in the first quarter of 2026. The Dutch court now has the authority to move the case forward and decide whether Apple’s policies break competition rules.
