Awareness only · official claim below
What this claim is about
When the free 5GB of iCloud storage on an iPhone or iPad runs out, most people pay Apple for more. The claim, brought by the consumer body Which? on behalf of UK users, argues that Apple gave iPhone and iPad owners no real choice of cloud storage provider — steering them to its own iCloud and shutting out rivals — and then charged excessive prices for iCloud storage plans.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal certified the claim in April 2026, so it will go to a full trial, listed for October 2028. Nothing has been decided on the facts, and Apple denies wrongdoing.
This is an opt-out claim covering up to 39.7 million UK iCloud users. If you’re eligible you’re included automatically and pay nothing — but the opt-out window is open until 8 October 2026, so you can leave the claim before then if you’d rather not take part. You don’t need a claims company, and LegalClaimPro doesn’t collect your details here. Which? estimates an average of around £77 per person if the claim succeeds, but that is only an estimate and nothing is guaranteed. Nothing here is legal or financial advice.
How this kind of claim works
Group claims take different forms. Here’s the shape of this one, in plain terms.
- Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT)
- A specialist court that hears large consumer claims about companies breaking competition law.
- iCloud “lock-in”
- The claim that Apple funnels iPhone and iPad users to its own iCloud, rather than letting them choose another storage provider.
- Certified (a Collective Proceedings Order)
- The Tribunal has approved the claim to go ahead to trial on behalf of the whole group.
- Opt-out claim
- If you’re eligible you’re included automatically — you pay nothing. You can opt out by 8 October 2026 if you’d rather not be part of it.
What the claim argues
No real choice
The claim says Apple made iCloud the only practical place to back up an iPhone or iPad, shutting out rival storage providers.
Overcharged for storage
It argues that, with no competition, Apple charged iOS users excessive prices for iCloud storage plans.
A dominant position, abused
It says Apple used its control of the iPhone and iPad to lock users in and keep prices high.
These are allegations; Willkie Farr & Gallagher, for class representative Which? runs the claim, and the court has not ruled.
Who’s covered?
- You used iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or other Apple iOS device at some point between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026, and lived in the UK on 8 June 2026
- The claim is about being overcharged for iCloud storage — the paid plans you buy once the free 5GB isn’t enough
- It’s an opt-out claim, so you’re included automatically and pay nothing — but you can opt out by 8 October 2026 if you’d rather not take part
How it’s unfolded
- November 2024 Which? files its iCloud claim against Apple at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
- April 2026 The Tribunal certifies the claim, clearing it to proceed on behalf of UK iCloud users.
- 8 October 2026 Deadline for eligible people to opt out (or, if outside the UK, to opt in).
- October 2028 The full trial is listed to begin.
Common questions
Do I need to sign up?
No. It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible UK users are included automatically. If you’d rather not take part, you can opt out via the official site by 8 October 2026.
Who’s covered?
People who used iCloud on an iPhone, iPad or other Apple iOS device between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026 and lived in the UK on 8 June 2026. If you were outside the UK then, you can opt in by 8 October 2026.
Will I definitely get money?
No — nothing is decided. The claim goes to trial in 2028 and Apple denies the allegations. Which? estimates an average of around £77 per person if it succeeds, but that’s only an estimate and nothing is guaranteed.
Does it cost anything?
No. The claim is funded, so there’s nothing to pay and no fee taken from you. Any compensation would come from Apple.
Who’s running it?
The claim is brought by Which? (the Consumers’ Association), with the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher. LegalClaimPro isn’t involved in running it — we’re raising awareness and we don’t collect your details here.
Join the official claim
This claim is run by Willkie Farr & Gallagher, for class representative Which?. LegalClaimPro is featuring it to raise awareness — we don’t run the claim and we don’t collect your details here. To take part, register on the official claim site, where you’ll see who’s behind it and their terms before you join.
The official site opens in a new tab. Always check who runs a claim and their terms before sharing your details.