Apple users get a small amount of free storage, but once that runs out they are encouraged to pay iCloud to back up photos, videos, messages, contacts and other content from their devices.
Prices range from 99p per month for 50GB to £54.99 per month for 12TB.
Apple doesn’t give rival storage services full access to its devices, saying it’s for security reasons – though that also means iCloud has more features than non-Apple alternatives.
Which one? Claims that Apple has effectively locked users into its services since 2018 and charged them more as a result.
The consumer group filed its claim against Apple in the Competition Appeal Tribunal on behalf of affected consumers in November 2024.
Annabel Hoult, chief executive of , said the group wanted to make clear that no company “no matter how powerful can get away with abusing its position”.
He asked what does the green signal from the Competition Appeal Tribunal mean? “It was a step closer to getting consumers the resolution we believe they owe Apple.”
“This should send a strong message to other companies adopting anti-competitive tactics,” he said.
The case is not expected to be heard until October 2028.
