UK iPhone users could get a share of a £3 billion legal claim against Apple.
A class action lawsuit that accuses Apple of trapping its users into using its own iCloud service, by giving it preferential treatment on its devices.
Which?, the consumers organisation, will include millions of UK customers in the claim, which could result in a payout if it is successful.
It claims that Apple has "abused its position in the cloud market", "stifled competition and ripped off millions of customers in the process". It says that users were "overcharged each year" through the monthly fees that Apple charges for its cloud backup service, and that they would otherwise have been given more free storage.
The iCloud service runs on a monthly subscription that ranges from 99p to £54.99. Users are able to back up their devices as well as specific content such as photos.
Which? Filed the collective claim in November 2024, at the Competition Appeal Tribunal. It was recently given permission to take the case to trial, through a Collective Proceedings Order or CPO which lets Which? opt users into the claim automatically.
Apple has said that the claims are unfounded and that customers are able to use an alternative to iCloud if they wish. It has said that it will appeal the decision.
Anyone who used iCloud services between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026, and was living in the UK on the last of those dates, will be included in the claim unless they actively opt out. If they were not living in the UK on 8 June 2026, they can choose to opt in through Which?'s website.
The consumer organisation says that iCloud users could get up to £77 each, if th claim is successful.
“Which? wants to make clear that no company, no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position," said Anabel Hoult, chief executive at Which?. "The granting of the [Collective Proceedings Order] means we’re one step closer to getting consumers the redress we believe they are owed from Apple and this should send a strong message to any other companies using anti-competitive tactics.
