Apple is facing a £3 billion ($4 billion) class-action lawsuit in the UK, filed by consumer advocacy group Which?, accusing the tech giant of overcharging millions of British customers for iCloud storage.
Should the lawsuit succeed, each affected user could receive around £70, with the case representing 40 million users who have paid for iCloud storage since October 2015.
Which? claims Apple has forced users to pay high prices for iCloud storage by setting it as the default—and often only—backup option for data on iPhones and other Apple devices. According to Which?, Apple’s costly storage upgrades leave customers with limited alternatives, creating a “pay up or miss out” scenario for those who need more than the company’s free storage offering.
The consumer group has enlisted an international law firm for the case, one of the most significant legal actions Apple has faced in the UK. Apple, however, denies the claims and intends to “vigorously defend” itself in court.
The lawsuit mirrors similar claims in the U.S. from March, where American plaintiffs raised concerns over iCloud pricing. Although that case remains unresolved, it has intensified scrutiny of Apple’s pricing model on both sides of the Atlantic.
This case underscores ongoing concerns in Europe and the U.S. about the potential for tech companies to leverage market dominance. The outcome may influence future regulations and tech policies in Europe, affecting not only Apple but also other major industry players.
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