Millions of British iCloud users are one step closer to compensation after a £3bn class action against Apple was given the green light to proceed to trial. The Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the case, brought by consumer group Which?, to move forward – a ruling that could entitle up to 40 million customers to roughly £77 each if successful.
Which? has accused Apple of “trapping” users into its cloud service, arguing the tech giant has abused its dominant position by restricting access to rival storage providers. The claim covers anyone who used iCloud between November 2018 and June 2026 and was living in the UK on 8 June 2026. Customers are automatically included unless they choose to opt out before 8 October 2026.
“£3bn Apple class action allowed to proceed; up to 40m UK iCloud users could get £77 each.”
Apple has dismissed the allegations as unfounded, saying no customer is required to use iCloud and that there are “plenty of alternatives to choose from”. The company does not give rival services full access to its devices, citing security reasons – though this means iCloud has more features than non-Apple alternatives.
Apple users receive a small amount of free storage, but once that runs out they are encouraged to pay for iCloud to back up photos, videos, messages and other content. Prices range from 99p a month for 50GB to £54.99 a month for 12TB. Which? claims that since 2018 Apple has effectively locked users into its services and overcharged them as a result.
Anabel Hoult, Which?’s chief executive, said the green light meant the group was “one step closer to getting consumers the redress we believe they are owed from Apple”. She added: “This should send a strong message to any other companies using anti-competitive tactics.” Hoult emphasised that “no company, no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position”.
Consumers living in the UK on 8 June 2026 must notify Which? by 8 October 2026 if they wish to opt out; otherwise they will remain in the claim but will not receive compensation if they opt out. Non-UK residents on that date must opt in via the claim website by 8 October. Anyone who first started using iCloud after 8 June 2026 is not included.
The case is not expected to be heard until October 2028, meaning a final outcome remains years away. For now, millions of users face a waiting game – and a decision on whether to stay in or step aside.