UK consumer rights group sues Apple for maintaining an ‘unlawful’ iCloud monopoly

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. Apple said it “rejects any suggestion that … iCloud practices are anticompetitive”.

The class action is looking for damages of about £70 per individual, although this figure could change dramatically once the case goes to trial, or a settlement is reached. The case could also be thrown out entirely. Details of the suit can be found at cloudclaim.co.uk.

Which? argues that Apple is abusing its position in the market with unlawful conduct, effectively tying iCloud subscriptions to iPhone and iPad usage.

It says Apple favors iCloud over other cloud storage services, preventing users from switching away from iCloud and enabling Apple to charge higher fees for iCloud than it would if there was more competition.

You can be a claimant in the lawsuit if you used an iOS device with iCloud at any point after October 2015, and live in the UK. Which? estimates around 40 million people would qualify, with a total expected payout of around £3 billion, based on that £70-per-person damages amount.

If the suit is found in Which’s favor, claimants will then be able to apply and receive their share of the payout. However, it may take years before a final decision is reached.

A similar class action lawsuit about Apple’s iCloud dominance is also currently being advanced in US courts.

In reply, Apple gave TechCrunch the following statement:

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.”