The Competition Appeal Tribunal in London has granted a collective proceedings order for a £3 billion ($4 billion) lawsuit against Apple over its iCloud storage service, consumer group Which? announced on Tuesday. The decision clears the way for tens of millions of UK consumers to join the class action.
Background of the Case
Which? filed the claim in November 2024, arguing that Apple abused its dominant position by trapping users of iPhones and other devices into its iCloud storage service. The consumer group alleges that Apple technically restricted how certain files can be stored, tied iCloud to iOS devices, and used prompts and system design to steer users toward its own service, thereby weakening competition and driving up prices.
The tribunal rejected an earlier attempt by Apple to block parts of the case. The order allows Which? to represent approximately 40 million UK iCloud users who used the service between November 2018 and June 2026.
Damages and Potential Payouts
Which? estimates total damages at around £3 billion, with potential payouts of up to £77 per person if the claim succeeds. The consumer group aims to secure compensation for affected users and send a message that anti-competitive behavior will not be tolerated.
"Which? wants to make clear that no company, no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position," said Anabel Hoult, Chief Executive of Which?, in a statement.
Apple's Response
In response to a request for comment, Apple dismissed the claims as unfounded. "We work hard to make iCloud a great experience, but no customer is required to use it and customers in the UK have plenty of alternatives to choose from," the company said in an emailed statement.
The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the tribunal will examine the merits of the allegations. This lawsuit is one of several high-profile competition cases against Big Tech in the UK and Europe.
