Apple Faces Class Action Lawsuit For 'Disappearing' Storage Space In iOS 8

A class action lawsuit filed this week in the Bay Area's federal court is taking Apple to task over claims that iOS 8 can chew up as much as 23.1 percent of the advertised storage space on the company's mobile products. In reality, there's no way to avoid using up a certain amount of space on electronic devices that require a meaty operating system, though in this instance, the lawsuit alleges that Apple doesn't inform potential buyers how much of their device's advertised capacity goes to the OS.

To make matters worse, the lawsuit says Apple encourages users to purchase more storage space through its iCloud service. The suit seeks unspecified damages along with changes to Apple policies under California state law, according to SiliconBeat.

"We feel that there are a substantial number of Apple consumers that have been shortchanged, and we'll be pursuing the claims vigorously," said William Anderson, a lawyer at Cuneo Gilbert & Laduca, a law firm based in Washington, D.C.

The lawsuit points out that customers who install iOS 8 or purchase a device with iOS 8 already installed allegedly receive a lot less storage than advertised, which can range from 18.1 percent of the iPhone 5s to 23.1 percent for the iPod.

"Using these sharp business tactics, defendant gives less storage capacity than advertised, only to offer to sell that capacity in a desperate moment, e.g., when a consumer is trying to record or take photos at a child or grandchild’s recital, basketball game or wedding," the lawsuit reads.

Apple touts iOS 8 as being its biggest release since the App Store. It represents a major overhaul to the mobile platform with loads of new features from top to bottom. Devices that support iOS 8 include iPhone models from the 4s to the 6 Plus, all three iPad mini tablets, the 4th generation iPad on up to the iPad Air 2, and the 5th generation iPod touch.