Tens of millions of people in the United Kingdom could be in line for a share of around £3bn after a competition claim against Apple over its iCloud storage service was cleared to move toward trial.
The UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal granted a collective proceedings order allowing the consumer group Which? to bring the case on behalf of affected users, after rejecting Apple's arguments that the claim was unsuitable. Reuters reported that the approval clears the way for a damages action valued at roughly $4bn.
What the claim alleges
Which? argues that Apple abused a dominant position in the market for mobile operating systems by steering users of iPhones and iPads toward its own iCloud service while restricting how rival cloud-storage providers work on its devices. The group says Apple did not clearly present alternatives or explain how third-party options operate on iOS, and contends this left consumers paying more than they otherwise would have.
The action is the latest in a series of large UK collective claims that have followed reforms making it easier to bring opt-out competition cases on behalf of consumers.
How much, and who could claim
Which? estimates the claim is worth around £3bn and says about 38.5 million UK iPhone and iPad users could be covered, with eligible consumers potentially receiving roughly £77 each, according to Computing.
The case is brought on an opt-out basis: people who used iCloud between November 2018 and June 2026 and were resident in the UK on the qualifying date of 8 June are automatically included unless they choose to leave. No payments are made unless the claim succeeds or settles, so affected consumers are advised to follow updates from Which? as the case develops.
Apple's response
Apple rejects the allegations. The company has said the claim is without merit, arguing that customers are not required to use iCloud and that alternatives are available. Apple said it "strongly disagrees" with the tribunal's decision and plans to challenge it; reporting on the ruling indicated Apple was granted permission to appeal aspects of the decision even as the wider action was allowed to continue.
What happens next
The collective proceedings order is a procedural milestone, not a finding against Apple: it certifies that the case can proceed as a class action, but the underlying allegations remain unproven and contested. A full trial is not expected to be heard until October 2028, leaving substantial scope for appeals, legal argument or a settlement before then. The case adds to mounting scrutiny of how dominant technology firms structure their app and services ecosystems.
