**Millions in UK Could Claim Share of £3bn After Apple Case Given Green Light**
A class action lawsuit against Apple has been approved to proceed to trial, potentially allowing millions of UK consumers to claim a share of a £3 billion compensation fund. The consumer advocacy group Which? has accused Apple of "trapping" users within its iCloud service, alleging that approximately 40 million customers could be entitled to around £77 each if the lawsuit is successful.
The lawsuit pertains to consumers who used Apple's iCloud service between November 8, 2018, and June 8, 2026, and who were residing in the UK on the latter date. Those included in the claim will automatically be part of the lawsuit unless they choose to opt out. Non-UK residents who were using iCloud on June 8, 2026, must actively notify Which? by October 8, 2026, to participate in the claim. Conversely, anyone who begins using iCloud after June 8, 2026, will not be eligible for compensation.
Which? alleges that since 2015, Apple has effectively locked users into its ecosystem, leading to inflated charges for its cloud services. The organization filed the claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in November 2024, seeking redress for consumers who they believe have been overcharged due to Apple's practices.
Anabel Hoult, chief executive of Which?, expressed that the tribunal's decision to allow the case to move forward is a significant step toward holding powerful companies accountable for their market behavior. She emphasized that no company should be able to exploit its position without facing consequences.
In response to the lawsuit, Apple has maintained that the claims are unfounded. The company asserts that customers are not obligated to use iCloud, as there are alternative storage options available. Apple has also stated its intention to appeal the tribunal's decision, indicating a strong disagreement with the allegations made against it.
iCloud offers users a limited amount of free storage, after which they are encouraged to purchase additional space to back up their data, including photos, videos, messages, and contacts. Pricing for iCloud storage ranges from 99p per month for 50GB to £54.99 per month for 12TB. Apple has argued that its security measures prevent rival storage services from accessing its devices fully, which contributes to the unique features of iCloud compared to non-Apple alternatives.
The case is not expected to be heard until October 2028, leaving a considerable amount of time for developments to unfold. In the meantime, consumers who wish to opt out of the class action must do so before the specified deadline to avoid losing their claim to potential compensation.
As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome of this case could have significant implications not only for Apple but also for consumer rights and competition in the technology sector. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny that large tech companies face regarding their business practices and the treatment of consumers.