Consumer Group Alleges Anti-Competitive Behavior
A significant class action lawsuit targeting Apple, which could lead to a £3 billion payout for millions of UK iCloud users, has received approval to advance to trial. The consumer advocacy organization Which? has initiated legal proceedings, accusing the technology giant of unfairly locking users into its cloud storage service.
Which? asserts that approximately 40 million iCloud customers could be eligible for compensation of around £77 each if the lawsuit is successful. The claim encompasses individuals who utilized iCloud between November 2018 and June 2026 and resided in the UK on June 8, 2026. These individuals will be automatically included in the claim unless they choose to opt out.
Apple's Stance and iCloud Functionality
Apple has consistently refuted the allegations, labeling them as unfounded. The company maintains that customers are not compelled to use iCloud, pointing to the availability of alternative storage solutions. Apple has also expressed its strong disagreement with the court's decision and intends to appeal.
iCloud provides users with a limited amount of free storage. Once this capacity is exhausted, users are prompted to subscribe to paid iCloud plans to back up essential data such as photos, videos, messages, and contacts from their devices. Subscription costs vary, ranging from 99p per month for 50GB to £54.99 per month for 12TB.
Apple restricts rival storage services from gaining full access to its devices, citing security concerns. This policy, however, also results in iCloud offering more integrated features compared to non-Apple alternatives.
Allegations of Overcharging and Legal Proceedings
Which? contends that since 2015, Apple has effectively created a monopolistic environment, thereby enabling it to overcharge users for its services. The consumer group formally submitted its claim to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in November 2024, acting on behalf of affected consumers.
Anabel Hoult, Chief Executive of Which?, emphasized the group's objective to demonstrate that no corporation, regardless of its power, can exploit its market position without accountability. She stated that the tribunal's approval brings Which? closer to securing the redress it believes consumers are owed from Apple, sending a clear message to other companies employing anti-competitive tactics. The trial is not anticipated to commence until October 2028.
Eligibility for the Claim
- Included: Consumers who used iCloud between November 8, 2018, and June 8, 2026, and were residents of the UK on June 8, 2026, will be automatically included unless they opt out.
- Opt-in for Non-UK Residents: Individuals not residing in the UK on June 8, 2026, must notify Which? by October 8, 2026, via its claim website to opt in.
- Excluded: Anyone who began using iCloud after June 8, 2026, will not be part of the claim.
- Opting Out: UK residents wishing to opt out must inform Which? by October 8, 2026, through the claim website. Opting out means foregoing any potential compensation, even if the lawsuit is successful.
Source: Millions of iCloud users could claim share of £3bn after Apple case given UK green light