Millions in UK could claim share of £3bn after Apple case given green light
Apple users get a small amount of free storage, but once that runs out they are encouraged to pay for iCloud to back up photos, videos, messages, contacts and other content from their devices.
Prices range from 99p a month for 50GB to £54.99 a month for 12TB.
Apple does not give rival storage services full access to its devices, saying this is for security reasons - although it also means iCloud has more features than non-Apple alternatives.
Which? claims that since 2018 Apple has effectively locked users into its services and overcharged them 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, 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".
"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.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Apple provides users with free storage that expires, after which they can purchase iCloud subscriptions ranging from 99p to £54.99 monthly. The company restricts how other storage services access its devices, citing security reasons. Which? filed a claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in November 2024, arguing this practice constitutes anti-competitive behaviour and overcharging. The tribunal has now approved the claim to proceed on behalf of affected consumers. The case hearing is scheduled for October 2028.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Apple users get a small amount of free storage, but once that runs out they are encouraged to pay for iCloud to back up photos, videos, messages, contacts and other content from their devices.
Prices range from 99p a month for 50GB to £54.99 a month for 12TB.
Apple does not give rival storage services full access to its devices, saying this is for security reasons - although it also means iCloud has more features than non-Apple alternatives.
Which? claims that since 2018 Apple has effectively locked users into its services and overcharged them 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, 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".
"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.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Apple provides users with limited free storage, then offers iCloud subscriptions from 99p to £54.99 per month Apple restricts rival storage services' access to its devices Apple says the restrictions are for security reasons The restrictions mean iCloud has more features than non-Apple alternatives Which? filed a claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in November 2024 Which? claims Apple has effectively locked users into its services and overcharged them since 2018 The tribunal approved the claim to proceed on behalf of affected consumers The case hearing is expected in October 2028
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- UK consumer group Which? won tribunal approval to pursue a £3bn claim against Apple on behalf of millions of users
- Apple is accused of restricting rival storage services and overcharging for iCloud since 2018
- The case will not be heard until October 2028