UK consumer rights group sues Apple for maintaining an ‘unlawful’ iCloud monopoly

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UK consumer rights group Which? is leading a lawsuit against Apple, targeting Apple’s dominance over cloud services on iPhone and iPad. Essentially, it argues that Apple forces iOS device users to buy iCloud storage as it does not allow other cloud services to integrate deeply with the system for data backup. Apple said it “rejects any suggestion that … iCloud practices are anticompetitive”.

The class action is looking for damages of about £70 per individual, although this figure could change dramatically once the case goes to trial, or a settlement is reached. The case could also be thrown out entirely. Details of the suit can be found at cloudclaim.co.uk.

Which? argues that Apple is abusing its position in the market with unlawful conduct, effectively tying iCloud subscriptions to iPhone and iPad usage.

It says Apple favors iCloud over other cloud storage services, preventing users from switching away from iCloud and enabling Apple to charge higher fees for iCloud than it would if there was more competition.

You can be a claimant in the lawsuit if you used an iOS device with iCloud at any point after October 2015, and live in the UK. Which? estimates around 40 million people would qualify, with a total expected payout around £3 billion, based on that £70-per-person damages amount.

If the suit is found in Which’s favor, claimants will then be able to apply and receive their share of the payout. However, it may take years before a final decision is reached.

A similar class action lawsuit about Apple’s iCloud dominance is also currently being advanced in US courts.

In reply, Apple gave TechCrunch the following statement:

Apple believes in providing our customers with choices. Our users are not required to use iCloud, and many rely on a wide range of third-party alternatives for data storage. In addition, we work hard to make data transfer as easy as possible — whether its to iCloud or another service. We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anticompetitive and will vigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise.”

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UK consumer rights group sues Apple for maintaining an ‘unlawful’ iCloud monopoly


UK consumer rights group Which? is leading a lawsuit against Apple, targeting Apple’s dominance over cloud services on iPhone and iPad. Essentially, it argues that Apple forces iOS device users to buy iCloud storage as it does not allow other cloud services to integrate deeply with the system for data backup. Apple said it “rejects any suggestion that … iCloud practices are anticompetitive”.

The class action is looking for damages of about £70 per individual, although this figure could change dramatically once the case goes to trial, or a settlement is reached. The case could also be thrown out entirely. Details of the suit can be found at cloudclaim.co.uk.

Which? argues that Apple is abusing its position in the market with unlawful conduct, effectively tying iCloud subscriptions to iPhone and iPad usage.

It says Apple favors iCloud over other cloud storage services, preventing users from switching away from iCloud and enabling Apple to charge higher fees for iCloud than it would if there was more competition.

You can be a claimant in the lawsuit if you used an iOS device with iCloud at any point after October 2015, and live in the UK. Which? estimates around 40 million people would qualify, with a total expected payout around £3 billion, based on that £70-per-person damages amount.

If the suit is found in Which’s favor, claimants will then be able to apply and receive their share of the payout. However, it may take years before a final decision is reached.

A similar class action lawsuit about Apple’s iCloud dominance is also currently being advanced in US courts.

In reply, Apple gave TechCrunch the following statement:

Apple believes in providing our customers with choices. Our users are not required to use iCloud, and many rely on a wide range of third-party alternatives for data storage. In addition, we work hard to make data transfer as easy as possible — whether its to iCloud or another service. We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anticompetitive and will vigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise.”

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.



Source link

Disclaimer

We strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in all of our reporting and coverage. We StartupNews.fyi want to be transparent with our readers about any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in our work. It’s possible that some of the investors we feature may have connections to other businesses, including competitors or companies we write about. However, we want to assure our readers that this will not have any impact on the integrity or impartiality of our reporting. We are committed to delivering accurate, unbiased news and information to our audience, and we will continue to uphold our ethics and principles in all of our work. Thank you for your trust and support.

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