Apple faces potential class action suit over “anti-competitive” iCloud،
The filing notes that Apple's dominance in cloud storage is not due to a lack of competitors. The suit states that “cloud storage is offered by every major technology company.” The suit names Google, Microsoft and Dropbox as competitors. But the problem is that some data listed as restricted files are prohibited from any cloud service except iCloud. The filing adds: “These sequestered files – hereinafter “restricted files” – are important because they include data necessary to restore a device when it is replaced.

Illustration in court filing that compares Apple's company-wide margins (L) with the huge margins on iCloud subscriptions
The filing states: “Apple's arbitrary ban on hosting restricted files fundamentally distorts the competitive landscape to favor iCloud over all of its competitors. Due to this restriction, potential cloud competitors are unable to offer Apple device owners a full-service cloud storage solution. , or even a pale comparison. Of course, competitors can host photos, videos and some other data files. But they cannot accommodate all the data that users want to back up, including for device recovery.
The lawsuit goes on to say: “This gives iCloud a huge structural advantage over all potential competitors. A consumer who uses a competing cloud platform to store photos will still need iCloud for restricted file storage. ” The plaintiffs ask the court to grant them “an injunction requiring Apple to cease the abusive, illegal and anticompetitive practices described herein; damages, or other multiple or punitive damages, or restitution, where required by law or equity or otherwise available…”