Apple is facing a major UK class action lawsuit over claims that it pushed iPhone and iPad users toward iCloud by limiting how deeply rival cloud services can work with iOS backups and Apple apps.
The case is being led by UK consumer group Which?, which argues that Apple used its control over iPhone and iPad software to make iCloud the default option for many users who wanted cloud backup and storage.
BBC News reports that the Competition Appeal Tribunal has now allowed the case to move forward, which means the lawsuit can proceed toward the next stage.
Who is included?
The claim covers millions of iCloud users in the UK, and many people do not need to take any action because the case works on an opt-out basis.
You are included if:
- You used iCloud between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026
- You lived in the UK on 8 June 2026
- You did not choose to opt out of the claim
People who were not living in the UK on 8 June 2026 need to opt in if they want to join the case.
How much money is being claimed?
Which? is seeking around £3 billion, which equals about $4 billion, on behalf of roughly 40 million iCloud customers.
That works out at about £77, or around $102, per eligible user, although the final amount depends on whether the case succeeds and how the tribunal calculates damages.
Apple denies the claims and says users do not have to use iCloud because they can choose third-party services for storage and data transfer.
The case will likely take time, with a court hearing not expected until late 2028, so eligible users will have to wait before any payout becomes clear.
