U.S. Appeals Court Reinstates Antitrust Class Action Against Apple’s App Store Practices
In a significant legal development, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to review the decertification of a class action lawsuit accusing Apple Inc. of monopolizing the iPhone app market through its App Store policies. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle over Apple’s control of app distribution and pricing.
Background of the Case
The origins of this lawsuit trace back to 2011 when consumers alleged that Apple’s exclusive control over the App Store led to inflated prices for apps and in-app purchases. They argued that Apple’s 30% commission on all transactions constituted monopolistic behavior, resulting in consumers paying more than they would in a competitive market.
In 2022, after a series of legal maneuvers, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers certified the case as a class action, allowing it to represent nearly 200 million consumers who had purchased apps or in-app content. However, in October 2025, Judge Rogers decertified the class, citing the plaintiffs’ failure to present a reliable model demonstrating class-wide harm and damages.
The Appeal and Its Implications
The plaintiffs promptly sought permission to appeal the decertification. On December 18, 2025, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted this request, agreeing to review Judge Rogers’ decision. This appellate review will focus solely on the class certification ruling, not the underlying antitrust allegations against Apple.
Mark Rifkin, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed optimism about the appeal, stating, We look forward to briefing and arguing the merits of the appeal in the Ninth Circuit. Apple has yet to publicly comment on the appellate court’s decision.
Broader Context and Related Cases
This case is part of a broader scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices. In the Netherlands, Apple faces a class-action lawsuit alleging that its 30% commission constitutes monopolistic behavior, potentially leading to damages of up to 5 billion euros. The Dutch Consumer Competition Claims Foundation has called for European Union consumers who have purchased apps or made in-app purchases since September 2009 to join the complaint.
Additionally, in December 2025, a coalition of 20 app developers and consumer groups urged the European Union to enforce stricter regulations against Apple’s fee structures, arguing that they violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This law requires tech platforms to allow commission-free in-app purchases using external payment systems. Despite a €500 million fine from the European Commission earlier in the year, Apple revised its terms to include new fees, which critics argue still contravene the DMA.
Potential Outcomes and Industry Impact
The appellate court’s decision to review the decertification could lead to several outcomes:
1. Reinstatement of Class Certification: If the court finds that the decertification was unwarranted, the class action status could be reinstated, allowing the lawsuit to proceed on behalf of the nearly 200 million consumers.
2. Upholding Decertification: The court may agree with Judge Rogers’ decision, effectively limiting the case to individual claims, which could diminish its impact.
3. Remand for Further Analysis: The appellate court might send the case back to the lower court for further examination of the class certification issues.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for antitrust class actions against major tech companies. A reinstatement of the class action could embolden other consumer groups to challenge perceived monopolistic practices in the tech industry.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, the tech industry and consumers alike are closely watching the developments. The appellate court’s review of the class certification in the Apple App Store antitrust case underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between platform control and competitive practices in the digital marketplace.
