Updated

Updated · Computerworld · Jun 23

Apple Faces $3.9 Billion UK iCloud Trial Over 40 Million Users as EU Scrutiny Builds

Updated

Updated · Computerworld · Jun 23

Apple Faces $3.9 Billion UK iCloud Trial Over 40 Million Users as EU Scrutiny Builds

Q: Can millions get paid for a choice they never had, even if they never paid for iCloud?

Yes. If Which? ultimately wins, UK iCloud users could receive compensation even if they never bought a paid iCloud plan. That is because the case is not limited to people who paid Apple directly. Which? says Apple used its control of iPhones and iPads to steer users into iCloud and restrict rival cloud services from offering full functionality, especially for backups. The claim argues that this reduced consumer choice and let Apple charge more than it could in a competitive market. The key legal theory is “forgone consumer surplus.” In simple terms, it says some users were harmed even if they stayed on the free tier, because Apple’s alleged conduct denied them a fairer market and the chance to buy storage on better terms. The Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed that theory to go forward to trial, rejecting Apple’s attempt to knock out claims by non-paying users. That does not mean payouts are guaranteed. Apple denies wrongdoing, says iCloud is optional, alternatives exist, and its restrictions are driven by security. It plans to appeal, and the full trial is not expected before October 2028. For now, the practical point is that the class is broad. It covers people who used iCloud between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026 and were living in the UK on 8 June 2026. UK residents are automatically included unless they opt out by 8 October 2026. If the claim succeeds, around 40 million users could receive about £77 each.

3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Jun 23

$3.9 billion in UK claims now heads toward trial after the Competition Appeal Tribunal cleared a class action alleging Apple favored iCloud and locked in about 40 million users.
Which? says Apple steered customers into iCloud by tightly integrating backups on iPhones and offering only 5GB of free storage, making rival cloud services harder to use.
July 31 is Apple’s next deadline to file its defense, while the first available trial date is October 2028 and the hearing is expected to last nine weeks.
Italy has already opened a separate antitrust probe under the EU Digital Markets Act, raising the risk that other European regulators could test whether Apple must give rivals iCloud-like system access.

Sources

Left100%

Computerworld24d ago

Apple Faces $3.9 Billion UK Class Action Over iCloud Competition Breach

bbc.co.uk24d ago

UK Tribunal Greenlights £3bn Apple iCloud Class Action Lawsuit

BBC.com24d ago

UK Tribunal Greenlights £3bn Apple iCloud Class Action Lawsuit

6 Sources

Is Apple's iCloud a secure garden for users or a £3 billion anti-competitive trap?

Could this UK lawsuit be the crack that finally breaks open Apple's walled garden ecosystem globally?

Can millions get paid for a choice they never had, even if they never paid for iCloud?

Apple Faces £3 Billion UK Class Action Over iCloud Overcharges: Trial, Consumer Impact, and Industry Precedent

Overview

The UK class-action lawsuit against Apple over alleged iCloud overcharges is moving forward to trial, despite Apple’s repeated attempts to narrow the case and reduce its financial impact. Filed by the consumer group Which? in November 2024, the claim centers on whether Apple used its dominant position to lock users into iCloud at high prices, with the financial scope of the case still under legal debate. Ongoing legal maneuvers are shaping the boundaries of the claim, and the outcome could have major financial consequences for Apple and set important precedents for digital platform competition.

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