The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against Apple, accusing the tech giant of maintaining an illegal monopoly over the smartphone market. The lawsuit, joined by 16 state and district attorneys, alleges that Apple has engaged in practices that lock in customers, drive up prices, and stifle competition from rival technologies.
One of the focal points of the case is Apple’s alleged suppression of messaging quality between the iPhone and competing platforms, along with limiting the functionality of third-party smartwatches on its devices. The company is also accused of obstructing the development of competing digital wallets with tap-to-pay functionality for iOS.
The DOJ further alleges that Apple has disrupted the emergence of “super apps,” which integrate messaging, payment, shopping, and other services, fearing these apps would reduce user loyalty to iOS devices. Additionally, Apple is accused of imposing unreasonable requirements on developers of cloud streaming apps for games, hindering competition by limiting access to its platform.
In response, Apple’s spokesperson Fred Sainz defended the company’s practices, stating that the lawsuit threatens the innovative principles that distinguish Apple’s products. Sainz argued that the lawsuit would restrict Apple’s ability to create cutting-edge technology and set a concerning precedent for government intervention in technology design. Apple plans to vigorously defend against the lawsuit, asserting that it is unfounded both factually and legally.
