Apple is sued in a collective process for the 5GB of iCloud and iPhone backup restrictions. Specifically, the plaintiffs claim that Apple has manipulated the competitive market by restricting the iCloud service to manage devices and other storage needs.
Apple devices users are offered 5GB free iCloud storage space, a limitation that has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2011 by Steve Jobs to WWDC. However, most users consider this space insufficient for their storage needs and are forced to purchase an additional iCloud storage plan.
The legal action emphasizes that iPhone users have only one option for the full backup of the devices, namely Apple's iCloud service. Moreover, Apple requires the use of iCloud for certain types of files, thus limiting users' options. For example, only backup can be done in iCloud for device settings, applications and app data. For photos and videos, users can choose other cloud storage services, such as: Google Drive, Sync.com, Pcloud and others.
The applicants claim that Apple has created a situation in which users are obliged to pay for more icloud space, because the alternatives are limited by the requirements imposed by the company. Apple is sued by the law firm Hagens Berman, who represents the main plaintiff in this legal action. This is the same company that has successfully managed other collective processes against Apple.
"Have you purchased an iCloud storage plan over the past four years? You may have paid extra." - Apple iCloud Antitrust.
Apple has not yet made any public statement about this process. However, this action could draw attention to the price policies and business practices of the technological giant in terms of its cloud services, especially the iCloud.
As the process progresses, more details and arguments may occur on both sides, and the result of this process could have a significant impact on how Apple and other large technology companies manage their services and price policy.
Related: iOS 17.4 beta 2 with changes for users in the EU
Apple is sued by other companies or natural persons, for antitrust policies and monopoly practices. The European Commission has so far forced Apple to make some major changes, both at the level of devices and at the level of iOS and iPados operating systems. Introducing the USB-C power port and data on iPhone devices and the possibility of installing applications on iOS and iPados outside the App Store, are just a few of the changes imposed on the company.
