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Consumer group Which? is suing Apple for £3 billion after claiming it locked UK customers into costly iCloud fees.
As reported by the BBC, if successful, the suit would see Apple pay compensation averaging £70 per customer.
Apple users receive a small amount of free storage, with charges applied for additional iCloud storage, ranging from £0.99 per month for 50GB to £54.99 for 12TB.
The Vision Pro company restricts full access for rival storage services, citing security, which also boosts its revenue.
Holding Apple accountable
Which? claims that since 2015 Apple has effectively locked users into iCloud and overcharged them for storage.
Which? has called on Apple to resolve the issue “without the need for litigation”, urging the company to refund consumers and increase competition in the market. Which? has now hired Willkie Farr & Gallagher for a legal claim against Apple, with Litigation Capital Management funding the case.
“By bringing this claim, Which? is showing big corporations like Apple that they cannot rip off UK consumers without facing repercussions,” said Which? chief executive Anabel Hoult.
“Taking this legal action means we can help consumers to get the redress that they are owed, deter similar behaviour in the future and create a better, more competitive market.”
The iPhone maker has denied claims its service is anti-competitive, arguing that iCloud use is optional and that many customers choose third-party services that facilitate easy data transfer.
“We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anti-competitive and will vigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise,” it said in a statement.
