Apple Confronts New Class Action Lawsuit for Alleged Illegal Monopoly on Digital Storage, Users Claim Overcharging for iCloud Services with Revived Dismissed Case

In 2024, a lawsuit emerged against Apple, alleging the company engaged in anti-competitive practices through its iCloud service, effectively monopolizing digital storage. However, this case encountered a setback when U. S.District Judge Eumi Lee dismissed it in 2025, as reported by AppleInsider. Notably, the judge allowed the plaintiffs the opportunity to submit an amended complaint, leading to renewed hope for consumers. The latest class action proposal incorporates new claims that highlight issues such as restrictions on accessing certain data through third-party cloud storage providers.

Data Access Restrictions: A Core Concern for Users

The revised lawsuit points to a significant issue: users’ data files are essential for restoring Apple devices, particularly when third-party services are utilized. According to Reuters, the plaintiffs assert that Apple’s requirement for iPhone users to rely solely on iCloud for backing up critical data violates antitrust regulations. This situation is exacerbated by the limited free storage offered by iCloud, which stands at just 5GB—an amount that can be quickly exhausted.

Judge Lee has taken a renewed interest in the case, recognizing the vital nature of data storage for iPhone users, including access to restricted files. In light of these developments, the legal arguments against Apple seem to gain traction.

Apple’s Defense and Legal Maneuvers

Apple has staunchly refuted the allegations, maintaining that its policies are in place to ensure the highest level of security. The plaintiffs in this renewed lawsuit are particularly those who subscribed to the iCloud service’s paid tier, priced at $2.99 per month, expressing frustration over the inability to use third-party applications for backing up their essential iPhone data.

Moreover, Apple is calling for the dismissal of the plaintiffs’ claims, arguing that they fall outside the statute of limitations for U. S.antitrust claims, which typically span around four years. The plaintiffs’ legal team aims to represent a nationwide class comprising potentially tens of millions of consumers who have purchased iCloud storage. The outcome of this high-stakes lawsuit could substantially impact relations within the tech sector and reshape how consumers utilize cloud storage services.

As the case unfolds, the implications for both Apple’s business practices and consumer rights remain highly relevant in an evolving digital landscape. The tech giant’s ongoing legal battles reflect larger concerns about competition and consumer choice in a market increasingly dominated by major players.

For further details, see: Reuters

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