Class Action Lawsuit Against Apple to Proceed
A class action lawsuit that could entitle millions of UK consumers to a share of a £3 billion claim against Apple is set to move forward to trial.
The consumer advocacy group Which? has accused Apple of "trapping" users into its iCloud service. According to Which?, approximately 40 million iCloud customers may be entitled to around £77 each if the claim is successful.
Consumers who used iCloud between November 2018 and June 2026 and were residing in the UK as of 8 June 2026 will be included in the claim unless they choose to opt out.
Apple has previously dismissed the allegations as unfounded, stating that no customer is obligated to use the iCloud service and that there are "plenty of alternatives to choose from."
iCloud Costs Explained
Apple provides users with a limited amount of free storage. Once this free storage is exhausted, users are encouraged to to iCloud to back up photos, videos, messages, contacts, and other data from their devices.
Subscription prices range from 99p per month for 50GB to £54.99 per month for 12TB of storage.
Apple does not grant rival storage services full access to its devices, citing security reasons. This restriction also means that iCloud offers more features compared to non-Apple alternatives.
Which? alleges that since 2018, Apple has effectively locked users into its services and charged them excessive fees as a result.
The consumer group filed its claim against Apple at the Competition Appeal Tribunal on behalf of affected consumers in November 2024.
Anabel Hoult, Which?'s chief executive, said the group wanted to make clear that no company "no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position."
She added the green light from the Competition Appeal Tribunal meant Which? was "one step closer to getting consumers the redress we believe they are owed from Apple."
"This should send a strong message to any other companies using anti-competitive tactics," she said.
The case is not expected to be heard until October 2028.
Who Is Included?
Consumers who used iCloud between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026 and were living in the UK on 8 June 2026 will be included in the claim unless they opt out.
Non-UK residents on that date must notify Which? by 8 October 2026 to opt in via the claim website.
Which? stated that anyone who first started using iCloud after 8 June 2026 will not be included in the claim.
Consumers who choose to opt out will not receive any compensation, even if the group wins the case.
UK residents as of 8 June 2026 must notify Which? by 8 October 2026 via the claim website if they wish to opt out.
Related Apple Legal and Market Issues
Apple has faced other legal challenges recently, including allegations of trapping and overcharging 40 million iCloud customers.
In the United States, Apple agreed to pay up to $95 to some iPhone buyers over an AI-related lawsuit.
Apple and Google have also agreed to make changes to their app stores following claims of maintaining an "effective duopoly."
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