British tech users listen up: you could be in for a major cash payout if a recent claim filed against Apple is successful.
On Thursday (14 November), consumer advice service Which? confirmed they had launched a £3 billion lawsuit on behalf of 40 million UK iPhone and iPad users who have ‘obtained iCloud services over the last nine years'.
Which? has accused Apple of breaching UK competition law, citing the company has ‘forced its iCloud services on customers’.
What has Which? stated in their lawsuit against Apple?
"iOS has a monopoly and is in control of Apple’s operating systems and it is incumbent on Apple not to use that dominance to gain an unfair advantage in related markets, like the cloud storage market. But that is exactly what has happened," the service argued.
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The tech giant has also been accused of overcharging customers to use iCloud and of constantly increasing service prices since 2015.
Which? claims that individual consumers could be ‘owed an average of £70, depending on how long they have been paying for the services during that period'.
Regarding the filing, Anabel Hoult, Which? Chief Executive, said: “We believe Apple customers are owed nearly £3 billion as a result of the tech giant forcing its iCloud services on customers and cutting off competition from rival services.
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“By bringing this claim, Which? is showing big corporations like Apple that they cannot rip off UK consumers without facing repercussions.
“Taking this legal action means we can help consumers to get the redress that they are owed, deter similar behaviour in the future and create a better, more competitive market.”
What has Apple said about the filing?
Following the lawsuit, Apple has ‘rejected’ claims made against them.
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“Our users are not required to use iCloud, and many rely on a wide range of third-party alternatives for data storage," a spokesperson stated.
"In addition, we work hard to make data transfer as easy as possible – whether it is to iCloud or another service.
"We reject any suggestion that our iCloud practices are anti-competitive and will rigorously defend against any legal claim otherwise.”
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How can you benefit from the lawsuit?
If you have been paying for iCloud services on your iPhone or iPad since October 1, 2015, then you could be one of the individuals receiving a payout if the suit is successful.
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But don’t fret because you don’t have to do anything. This is because ‘members of the class are automatically included in the claim unless they decide not to be'.
"The claim by Which? is being brought on an ‘opt-out’ and ‘opt-in’ basis,” the suit explained.
“This means that, if consumers are eligible and live in the UK, they will automatically be included in the claim unless they tell Which? that they do not want to be.”
Head to the Which? website for more information on how you can opt-out.
Topics: iPhone, Technology, Money, Apple
Ella Scott