Class Action Lawsuit Against Apple to Proceed in UK
A class action lawsuit that could entitle millions of iCloud users in the UK to a portion of a £3 billion claim against Apple has been approved to proceed 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 could 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 on 8 June 2026 will be included in the claim unless they choose to opt out.
Apple has previously dismissed the claims as unfounded, stating that no customer is obligated to use the iCloud service, as alternatives are available. The company also said it "strongly disagrees" with the tribunal's decision and intends to appeal.
iCloud Costs Explained
Apple users receive a limited amount of free storage, but once this is exhausted, they are encouraged to pay for 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 restricts rival storage services from having full access to its devices, citing security reasons. This restriction also means iCloud offers more features than non-Apple alternatives.
Which? alleges that since 2015, Apple has effectively locked users into its services and charged them excessively 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, chief executive of Which?, stated:
"No company, no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position."
She added that the Competition Appeal Tribunal's approval brings Which? "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 in the Claim?
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? clarified 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 claim is successful.
UK residents on 8 June 2026 must notify Which? by 8 October 2026 via the claim website if they wish to opt out.
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