A proposed class-action lawsuit accuses Apple of monopolizing cloud storage for its devices

A class-action complaint filed against Apple on Friday in a Northern California court accused the company of creating unfair conditions to ensure iCloud remains the dominant cloud storage choice for its devices, according to . By placing “surgical technological restrictions” on the types of files that other cloud providers can host, Apple has made it so that only iCloud can offer users of Apple devices a full storage service, the complaint alleges. It also allowed Apple to charge higher fees in the absence of “any real threat to iCloud’s dominance,” according to the complaint.

The proposed class, brought by Hagens Berman, would cover tens of millions of customers in the US, Bloomberg’s Law notes. While iPhone and iPad users have the option to store certain types of files with cloud storage providers other than Apple, there are some things — including app data and device settings — that only iCloud is allowed to host. This leaves users to choose either the “unattractive” option of juggling multiple cloud storage accounts to fully cover their backup needs, or the convenience of full-service iCloud. The complaint alleges that Apple’s restrictions are arbitrary and work to stifle competition.

Apple “does not dominate because it has built a superior cloud storage product,” the complaint states. “In terms of security and functionality, iCloud is no better (and often inferior) than other cloud storage platforms. Instead, Apple achieved market dominance by manipulating the competitive field so that only iCloud could win.” right to join it, can fill out a form at to find out more information.