Apple Faces Two Major UK Class-Action Lawsuits Totaling Billions
The technology giant is embroiled in separate legal challenges in the United Kingdom. One case, concerning App Store commissions, awaits an appeal hearing after an initial ruling against Apple, while another, a £3 billion lawsuit over iCloud storage, has just been cleared to proceed to trial.
LONDON – Apple is currently facing two separate billion-pound class-action lawsuits in the United Kingdom, challenging the legality of its business practices for its App Store and iCloud services. While one case has already seen a trial and is now under appeal, a second major lawsuit was recently given the green light to proceed, bringing the total potential damages to over £4.5 billion.
£3 Billion iCloud Lawsuit to Proceed
In June 2026, the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal certified a class-action lawsuit valued at approximately £3 billion against Apple concerning its iCloud storage service. The case, brought forward by the consumer group Which? in November 2024, will represent nearly 40 million UK users who used the service between November 2018 and June 2026.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple abused a dominant market position by "trapping" users of its devices into the iCloud ecosystem. Which? argues that Apple used technical restrictions, deep integration with its operating systems, and system prompts to limit consumer choice and stifle competition from rival cloud providers, leading to inflated prices. If the claim is successful, damages could amount to around £77 per person. A full trial is not expected until 2028.
Apple has stated the claims are "unfounded," maintaining that customers are not required to use iCloud and have plenty of alternatives to choose from in the UK.
App Store Commission Case Awaits Appeal
In a separate legal battle, Apple is appealing a landmark ruling from October 2025. In that case, the Competition Appeal Tribunal found that Apple had abused its dominant position by charging an "excessive and unfair" commission, often as high as 30%, on purchases made through its App Store.
The collective action was brought by Dr. Rachael Kent, a digital economy academic, on behalf of approximately 36 million UK iPhone and iPad users for purchases made since October 2015. The tribunal determined that the class is entitled to damages, estimated to be around £1.5 billion.
Apple's initial request to appeal the verdict was denied by the tribunal in November 2025. The company then applied to the Court of Appeal. A hearing to decide on the permission to appeal and, if granted, the appeal itself, is scheduled for a window between November 2, 2026, and March 24, 2027. Apple has consistently denied that its practices are anti-competitive, arguing the commission reflects the value and security of its ecosystem.
Both cases operate on an "opt-out" basis, meaning eligible UK consumers are automatically included in the respective classes unless they choose to formally withdraw.
Sources
- UK Apple App Store Claim
- Apple seeks to appeal against £1.5bn ruling it overcharged UK customers
- Dr Rachael Kent wins historic case against Apple in £1.5 billion collective action
- UK tribunal gives go ahead for $4 billion lawsuit against Apple over iCloud services
- UK tribunal greenlights $4 billion) class action lawsuit against Apple over iCloud 'Lock-In'
- Apple earns appeal ticket, but UK iCloud class action rolls on
- Apple app store lawsuit UK: 20 million users seek £1.5 billion in historic class action
- 1403/7/7/21 Dr. Rachael Kent v Apple Inc. and Apple Distribution International Ltd
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