Apple is facing a significant legal challenge after consumer group Which? accused the tech giant of trapping 40 million UK customers into its iCloud service and charging “rip-off prices.” The class action, which has the potential to result in a £3 billion payout, claims that Apple has been overcharging users for iCloud storage since 2015, exploiting its position to lock customers into its ecosystem with inflated prices.
The lawsuit argues that Apple’s approach leaves consumers with few alternatives, as moving their data to a different cloud provider can be inconvenient and technically challenging. Which? claims that Apple’s alleged tactics exploit customer loyalty and the necessity of cloud storage for most smartphone users, effectively creating a “monopoly-like” situation within its ecosystem.
iCloud users often feel compelled to pay for additional storage beyond the free 5GB limit, as photos, videos, and other data quickly surpass that threshold. The claim seeks to address what Which? calls “unfair terms and excessive charges,” asserting that Apple’s pricing for iCloud storage is disproportionate compared to other providers.
Apple has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit, but similar cases globally highlight growing concerns over tech giants’ business practices. If successful, this class action could set a precedent for other legal challenges, potentially reshaping how cloud storage services operate and are priced.
