Apple will not be given an early option to appeal a landmark antitrust ruling in the UK. In October, the country’s Competition Appeal Tribunal determined that Apple benefited from “almost complete market power” over app distribution and in-app payments and was “abusing its dominant position by charging excessive and unfair prices” in the form of developer commissions. At the time, Apple was reportedly planning to appeal, but today, the tribunal refused to allow the company to challenge its decision.
This means Apple’s next course of action, if it doesn’t want to face damages exceeding £1 billion, is to take its case straight to the UK Court of Appeal. The company has sought 21 days time to file any application before that judicial body.
It’s been a busy year for Apple as it faces more regulatory pressure over App Store rules and the fees it charges mobile developers. Earlier today, Apple announced a new partner program that will halve the commission it charges for mini-app transactions.