A class action lawsuit that could entitle millions of UK consumers to a share of a £3 billion claim against Apple has been cleared to proceed to trial.

Consumer group Which? has accused Apple of “trapping” users into its iCloud storage service by restricting the functionality available to rival cloud storage providers on its devices.

The group estimates that around 40 million iCloud customers could be covered by the action. Should the claim succeed, affected consumers could receive approximately £77 each, although the precise amount would depend on the eventual outcome of the case.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal has given the legal action permission to proceed, with the trial currently expected to take place in October 2028.

Which? filed the claim against Apple in November 2024 on behalf of affected consumers. It alleges that the technology company has effectively locked customers into using iCloud since 2015 and has been able to overcharge them as a result.

Anabel Hoult, chief executive of Which?, said the organisation wanted to make clear that no company “no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position”.

She said the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s decision meant Which? was “one step closer to getting consumers the redress we believe they are owed from Apple”.

“This should send a strong message to any other companies using anti-competitive tactics,” she added.

Apple has previously rejected the allegations and described the claims as unfounded. The company has argued that customers are not required to use iCloud and can choose from alternative storage services.

Apple has said it “strongly disagrees” with the tribunal’s decision and plans to appeal.

Who Is Included in the Claim?

Consumers who used iCloud at any point between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026, and who were living in the UK on 8 June 2026, will automatically be included in the claim unless they choose to opt out.

UK residents who wish to opt out must notify Which? through the claim website by 8 October 2026. Anyone who opts out will not be eligible to receive compensation, even if Which? ultimately wins the case.

People who used iCloud during the relevant period but were not living in the UK on 8 June 2026 will not be included automatically. They must instead notify Which? through its claim website by 8 October if they wish to opt in.

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Anyone who first began using iCloud after 8 June 2026 will not be covered by the action.

Apple provides users with a limited amount of free cloud storage. Once that allowance has been exhausted, customers are encouraged to purchase an iCloud subscription to store and back up content including photographs, videos, messages and contacts.

UK iCloud prices range from 99p per month for 50GB of storage to £54.99 per month for 12TB.

Apple does not provide rival cloud storage services with the same level of access to its devices as iCloud. The company has said these restrictions are necessary for security reasons, but they also mean that iCloud can offer functions that are not available through non-Apple alternatives.

Which? argues that these restrictions have reduced competition and made it more difficult for consumers to move away from Apple’s cloud storage service.

When the action was initially filed in 2024, Which? said the case would be funded by Litigation Capital Management. The consumer group enlisted law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher to handle the proceedings.

Beyond this, Which said the law firm would receive fees as the case progressed, along with additional payments if the claim succeeded. However, it said the firm would not receive a percentage of any damages awarded to consumers.