Proposed class action lawsuit alleges Apple monopolizing cloud storage for its devices

Apple faces a proposal class action lawsuit The company claims it has an illegal monopoly over its customers’ digital storage.

The lawsuit, filed Friday, alleges the “surgical” restrictions effectively prevent customers from using services outside of the iCloud storage system.

iCloud is the only service that can host certain data from your company’s phones, tablets, and computers, such as application data and device settings. The plaintiffs allege that this action “unlawfully ‘tied'” the device and iCloud.

“Apple’s arbitrary ban on restricted file hosting fundamentally distorts the competitive landscape and privileges iCloud over all rivals,” the complaint says. “As a result of this limitation, cloud competitors are no longer able to offer Apple device owners a full-service cloud storage solution, or even anything comparable.”

According to the complaint, iCloud has about 70% market share in cloud storage for Apple users. Plaintiffs also pointed out that high market share has driven up prices and that “competition is undisciplined.”

“Apple increased the prices of iCloud until the service generated almost pure profit. Apple’s ability to maintain these prices is evidence of its monopoly power,” the complaint said.

Plaintiffs are proposing a class action lawsuit targeting tens of millions of members, all of whom are users of the iCloud platform.

The Hill has reached out to Apple for comment.