harry102

Specifically, she said that users were not required to purchase iCloud storage, and that the case did not demonstrate that Apple is a monopoly.

"[If] anything, Apple's allegedly high prices would incentivize rivals to increase production to take share from Apple," said Judge Lee in her ruling.

The plaintiffs appear to have chiefly concentrated on how iCloud is used for storage, but the service has other key uses. It's behind the syncing of photos, videos, and other user data, for instance, and third-party rivals can't replace that.

It seems like the Judge doesn't fully understand how Apple limits rivals' opportunity to take a share from Apple, even though she mentioned it in this quote. Other cloud storage providers simply cannot offer the same integration as iCloud does. Say if Google offered a cheaper storage solution than apple with all the same functionality I am sure many would jump to it. And to be clear Google does offer cloud storage like google drive for instance, but does that integrate with Apple devices and let your store your imessages, device backups, icloud mail etc.

Alteratively does Apple provide an easy way to sync your ios device to a computer if I don't want to pay for iCloud. If I am in proximity to my Mac with my iPhone why can these two devices not sync between easy other automatically? 

Bottom line Apple does not force you to use iCloud. It is just a courtesy service that Apple provides, I will never understood why anyone would store their personal files pictures, video, and document files on someone else’s computer even with encryption, because outside agencies want access i.e. the British government….

The argument that Apple is a monopoly or has Monopoly in the marketplace anywhere is ridiculous in the world of technology Apple, can’t be a monopoly unless you (make up) define a monopoly as being a monopoly of your own product (basically of yourself), but having the most profitable best product? In the general marketplace doesn’t make you a monopoly i.e. making the best sports car Porsche? or the best traditional watch Rolex? does not mean you have a monopoly in the marketplace no matter how good that product may be over many other existing products in the marketplace.