Apple accused of ripping off 40m UK iCloud customers
In a new lawsuit, Apple has been accused of ripping off 40 million UK customers locked into paying exorbitant fees for its monthly iCloud storage service.
Consumer group Which? says it wants Apple to face “repercussions” for its anti-competitive practices: the lawsuit seeks a £3bn payout.
Apple currently offers a limited amount of digital storage, after which users are urged to pay extra to store content, including photos, videos, and messages.
While the monthly prices start at just £0.99 for 50GB, users with demanding storage needs must fork out £54.99 for 12TB.
In addition to setting “rip off prices”, Which? believes Apple has also prevented users from accessing third-party alternatives.
The body’s chief executive, Anabel Hoult, said: “Taking this legal action means we can help consumers to get the redress that they are owed, deter similar behaviour in the future and create a better, more competitive market.”
UK customers could be owed £73 each if the lawsuit is successful.
Apple responded to the legal action by stating that it would “vigorously defend” itself, adding that it strongly rejects the notion that its iCloud practices are anti-competitive.
The lawsuit is one of many aimed at tackling the dominance of megacorps.
Apple’s rivals Google and Facebook have also been the target of anti-competitive legal action at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Legal expert Toby Starr believes they will take a long time to be resolved.
Which? has encouraged Apple to compensate customers now “without the need for litigation”.