Apple sued for £2bn in UK over alleged double standard on app tracking

A £2 billion UK class-action alleges Apple used its control of the iOS ecosystem to impose stricter App Tracking Transparency rules on third-party developers than on its own advertising services, with the claim filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal and led by Ann Pope. The action contends ATT, introduced in 2021, harmed UK app developers and disadvantaged competitors by requiring different consent standards for third-party apps versus Apple’s own advertising practices. Proponents argue that third-party apps must obtain user consent and follow a predefined prompt, while Apple applies less restrictive standards to its own data collection and advertising activities. Apple has framed ATT as a privacy safeguard, and the lawsuit forms part of a broader European regulatory scrutiny of its tracking practices, including prior actions in Germany. The case still needs certification before it can proceed, and its outcome could influence how digital platforms balance privacy with competitive fairness.