A class action brought by Which? claiming Apple overcharged UK iCloud users to the tune of £3 billion has been given the go-ahead by the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

The collective claim, filed in November 2024, argues Apple violated competition law by giving its own cloud storage service greater access to the iPhone operating system, iOS.

The effective lock-in then allowed Apple to charge uncompetitive prices, Which? argues.

The CAT has now issued a Collective Proceedings Order or CPO that means millions of iCloud users will be automatically included in the claim, unless they opt out.

iCloud offers some storage for free, as well as paid tiers ranging from 99p to £54.99 per month for backing up devices and specific app content.

“No company, no matter how powerful, can get away with abusing its position,” said Which? chief executive Anabel Hoult.

She said the CPO brings Which? “one step closer to getting consumers the redress we believe they are owed from Apple” while also sending a message to other large tech firms.

Anyone who used iCloud between 8 November 2018 and 8 June 2026 and was living in the UK on 8 June will be included in the claim unless they opt out.

If they were not living in the UK on 8 June, they can opt in via Which?’s website.

The consumer organisation says users could claim up to £77 each if the action is successful. The case is expected to be heard in October 2028.

Apple says Which?’s claims are unfounded and that it will appeal. It has said users are free to use other cloud services.

The company has said third-party cloud services do not have the same access to iPhones as iCloud for security reasons.

Apple is facing regulatory actions over its walled-garden approach in multiple jurisdictions, including the EU, where the European Commission is working with the company to allow third-party products and services broader access to iOS.