iCloud class action lawsuit could see UK users share $4B payout

A class action lawsuit accusing Apple of forcing iPhone owners to use iCloud could see British users share a £3B ($4B) payout if the case is won.

A consumer organization sought permission from a competition regulator to pursue the antitrust lawsuit and has now been given the go-ahead …

The lawsuit dates back to November 2024.

UK consumer rights group Which? is leading a lawsuit against Apple, targeting Apple’s dominance over cloud services on iPhone and iPad. Essentially, it argues that Apple forces iOS device users to buy iCloud storage as it does not allow other cloud services to integrate deeply with the system for data backup […] Which? argues that Apple is abusing its position in the market with unlawful conduct, effectively tying iCloud subscriptions to iPhone and iPad usage.

iCloud is presented to iPhone owners as the only way to back up their device to a cloud service. It’s also the default cloud storage for many Apple apps. The lawsuit argues that this amounts to an effective monopoly, and means Apple can charge uncompetitive fees for iCloud storage.

The first step in the claim was to file details with the Competition Appeal Tribunal. BBC News reports that the CAT has now given the go-ahead for the lawsuit to proceed.

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”.

Are you included in the class action?

Some class action lawsuits require eligible consumers to opt in while others automatically include you unless you opt out. This is one of the latter, so you do not need to do anything if you meet the following criteria:

• You used iCloud between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026
• You were living in the UK on 8 June 2026

Those who are not resident in the UK on June 8th, 2026 will need to opt in here.

How much is being claimed?

The total lawsuit is for £3B ($3.96B) and approximately 40 million iCloud customers would be entitled to a share. This works out at roughly £77 ($102) each.

It’s important to note that the sums given are just what is being claimed on behalf of eligible users. The lawsuit may be won or lost, and any judgment may be for a smaller or larger sum. Apple has previously said that it will “vigorously defend” the case.

Apple believes in providing our customers with choices. Our users are not required to use iCloud, and many rely on a wide range of third-party alternatives for data storage. In addition, we work hard to make data transfer as easy as possible — whether its to iCloud or another service. We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anticompetitive and will vigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise.”

The case is unlikely to go to court until late in 2028, so it will be quite some time before we know the outcome.

Photo by Conny Schneider on Unsplash