What's happened
Consumer group Which? has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging anti-competitive practices related to its iCloud services. The claim suggests that Apple has overcharged approximately 40 million UK users since 2015, potentially resulting in damages of nearly £3 billion. Apple denies the allegations and plans to defend itself vigorously.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Which? claims that Apple has effectively locked users into its iCloud service, leading to overcharging. Anabel Hoult, chief executive of Which?, stated, "By bringing this claim, Which? is showing big corporations like Apple that they cannot rip off UK consumers without facing repercussions." In contrast, Apple has rejected these claims, asserting that it provides users with choices and that many rely on third-party alternatives for data storage. The BBC highlights that this lawsuit is part of a growing trend of class actions against Big Tech, with other companies like Facebook and Google also facing similar scrutiny. The Guardian notes that the lawsuit could result in a £3 billion payout if successful, emphasizing the potential financial impact on Apple and its customers.
How we got here
The lawsuit stems from claims that Apple has monopolized the cloud storage market by making it difficult for users to access alternative services. Which? argues that this has led to inflated prices for iCloud subscriptions, affecting millions of customers since October 2015.
Common question
-
What Are the Allegations Against Apple in the £3 Billion Lawsuit?
Apple is facing a significant lawsuit filed by the consumer group Which?, claiming that the tech giant has engaged in anti-competitive practices with its iCloud service. This legal action could have far-reaching implications for both Apple and its customers in the UK. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this lawsuit and its potential impact on consumer rights.
More on these topics
-
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
-
iCloud is a cloud storage and cloud computing service from Apple Inc. launched on October 12, 2011. As of 2018, the service had an estimated 850 million users, up from 782 million users in 2016.
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
The Competition Appeal Tribunal of the United Kingdom was created by Section 12 and Schedule 2 to the Enterprise Act 2002 which came into force on 1 April 2003.
-
Which? is a United Kingdom brand name that promotes informed consumer choice in the purchase of goods and services by testing products, highlighting inferior products or services, raising awareness of consumer rights, and offering independent advice....