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Around 40 million people in the United Kingdom could be entitled to a payout from Apple after consumer group Which? launched a £3 billion lawsuit against the tech giant.
Which? have alleged that Apple has breached UK competition law by ‘forcing its iCloud services on customers.’
It says Apple have stifled their competition by encouraging users to sign up to iCloud to store photos, videos and others data and is therefore favouring its own products – effectively trapping customers into sticking with their devices.
Apple has also been accused of overcharging customers. The consumer rights group says once iOS users have signed up to iCloud, they then have to pay for the service after their photos, notes, messages and other data go over the free 5GB limit.
Which? is seeking damages for all affected iCloud customers since October 1st, 2015, which could mean each individual may be owed, on average, £70.
Which?’s chief executive, Anabel Hoult, said: ‘By bringing this claim, Which? is showing big corporations like Apple that they cannot rip off UK customers without facing repercussions.
‘Taking this legal action means we can help consumers to get the redress that they are owned, deter similar behaviour in the future and create a better, more competitive market.’
Apple have rejected the claim, however.
In a statement, the American company said; ‘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 it is to iCloud or another service.
‘We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anti-competitive and will rigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise.’
In a separate lawsuit, this time in the US, the country’s Department of Justice is accusing the company of locking down its iPhone ecosystem to build a monopoly.
Apple also rejected this claim, arguing the lawsuit is ‘wrong on the facts and the law.’
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