The large technology company Apple is currently dealing with a class action lawsuit that questions its cloud services strategy, particularly the 5GB free storage limit on iCloud, and alleges anti-competitive behavior.

Apple introduced iCloud at WWDC 2011, but has not updated its free tier since then, leading to legal issues.

The plaintiffs claim that Apple has unfairly favored iCloud as the exclusive service for handling device backups, especially for sensitive files such as device settings and app data. This rule practically compels users to purchase extra iCloud storage if they go beyond the limited 5GB free allocation. The complaint highlights that Apple device users receive 5GB of free iCloud storage space, which some users find insufficient for their storage needs and end up purchasing extra iCloud storage.

Google Drive and other competitors provide a more generous 15GB for free, but Apple’s restrictions prevent them from offering a complete cloud solution for all data types on iOS devices. Plaintiffs believe that this restriction lacks technological or security justification and is seen as a way to limit competition and promote iCloud over other cloud platforms.

The lawsuit claims that Apple’s choice to restrict iCloud as the sole cloud storage service for handling restricted files is unwarranted from both a technical and security perspective. They are implementing this restriction to promote their iCloud service over others.

The lawsuit also claims that Apple forces users to use iCloud for cloud storage for their restricted files. Hagens Berman, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, has a track record of challenging Apple and successfully obtaining a $560 million settlement in the Apple Books price fixing case. They are currently inviting individuals who have purchased iCloud storage and are interested in joining the lawsuit to do so through their website.

Based on the documents, iCloud holds a significant market share of around 70%, showing Apple’s strong influence over its users and the cloud storage industry. In addition, critics argue that iCloud generates higher profit margins for Apple compared to its other products due to the lack of competition.