– Apple faces a £3 billion UK class-action lawsuit over iCloud “trapping” allegations, approved for trial.
– Consumer group Which? claims Apple makes it difficult to use iCloud alternatives, restricting user choice.
– Up to 40 million UK iCloud users (Nov 2018–June 2026) are automatically included unless they opt out.
– Potential payouts could reach ~£77 per person, but the trial is not expected until October 2028.
– Apple denies the claims, stating iCloud is optional and customers have many alternatives.
Apple Hit With Major Class Action in UK Over iCloud Practices
Class lawsuits against Apple are nothing new. One notorious example was Batterygate, where Apple admitted to secretly using software updates to intentionally slow down older iPhones (iPhone 6, 7 and SE). Apple claimed this was a preventative measure to manage aging batteries and prevent sudden device shutdowns. Nevertheless, the tech giant agreed to a $500 million settlement in the US, which saw eligible users get around $25 per device.
New Legal Challenge Greenlit in the UK
Now, things are heating up across the pond in the UK for Apple, where a £3 billion (approx. $3.96 billion) class-action lawsuit has just been greenlighted for trial. Consumer group Which? accuses Apple of “trapping” users in its iCloud service while simultaneously making it difficult to use alternative providers. UK residents who used iCloud at any point between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026 will automatically be included in the lawsuit unless they choose to opt out.
Potential Payout and Timeline Details
Which? estimates that around 40 million iCloud customers could receive approximately £77 (just over $100) each if the case succeeds, though the exact amount per person would depend on how long they used the paid service during the claim period. Potential claimants shouldn’t get their hopes up too soon, however, as the case is not expected to be heard until October 2028. Apple, for its part, argues that the plaintiff’s claims are “unfounded”, further stating that “no customer is required to use it [iCloud] and customers in the UK have plenty of alternatives to choose from.”