Consumer group Which? has initiated a £3 billion class action against Apple, alleging that the tech giant has breached competition law by compelling customers to use its iCloud services.

This legal action is particularly timely as it seeks to address regulatory gaps ahead of the UK's upcoming digital markets regime.

Utilizing the 'opt-out collective actions' framework established by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the lawsuit allows consumers to be represented collectively unless they choose to opt-out.

U.K. consumers will automatically be included in the claim unless they actively opt-out, while those outside the U.K. must opt-in to participate.

International law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher is representing Which?, allowing the organization to receive fees during the case without claiming a share of any potential damages.

The lawsuit is being funded by Litigation Capital Management, which is committed to supporting the case through its conclusion.

If successful, affected users could receive around £70 (approximately €84), although the lawsuit's outcome remains uncertain and may take years to resolve.

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend of significant legal actions against major tech companies, reflecting increasing scrutiny over their competitive practices.

As of now, Apple has not publicly responded to the lawsuit, although it continues to face scrutiny and legal challenges globally.

Which? hopes to achieve a ruling similar to the one that compelled Apple to alter its anti-steering practices in the Epic Games case.

The legal action aligns with ongoing investigations into anti-competitive behaviors by other tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services in the U.K.

The case underscores growing concerns regarding consumer rights and competition in the technology sector, particularly as regulators tighten their grip on major corporations.