NAIROBI, Kenya- Apple is under fire in the UK, facing a potential £3 billion class-action lawsuit over its iCloud storage practices.
Consumer group Which? alleges that the tech giant has trapped millions of users into its ecosystem while charging inflated fees for digital storage. If successful, the claim could see Apple paying out £70 to each of the 40 million affected customers.
Apple, however, denies the allegations, asserting that its iCloud service is optional and users have ample third-party alternatives for data storage.
At the heart of the legal battle is iCloud, Apple’s cloud-based storage system. While iPhone users receive a modest 5GB of free storage, they are nudged towards paid plans for additional space—necessary for backing up photos, messages, and other data.
Pricing ranges from £0.99 per month for 50GB to £54.99 for a whopping 12TB.
Which? argues that Apple has been effectively locking users into its services since 2015 by limiting the compatibility of rival storage options, citing “security reasons.”
This, the group claims, has enabled Apple to charge uncompetitive prices, boosting its bottom line at the expense of consumers.
Apple has pushed back firmly. “We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anti-competitive and will vigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise,” the company said in a statement.
This case is part of a broader wave of legal challenges targeting tech giants. Facebook, Google, and gaming platform Steam are among other major players facing scrutiny in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal.
While Apple maintains its innocence, this legal challenge could set a precedent for how tech giants manage their ecosystems. For consumers, a successful claim might mean financial redress and a more competitive market. Anabel Hoult, CEO of Which?, remains resolute. “Big corporations like Apple cannot rip off UK consumers without repercussions,” she stated.
