🍎 Are you an Apple user?
The US Department of Justice is suing Apple for monopolizing the smartphone market.
On March 21, 2024, the US Department of Justice and 16 states filed a civil antitrust suit against Apple for monopolizing the smartphone market which is a violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. The complaint alleges that Apple uses its market power to get more money from consumers, developers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses and merchants. The civil lawsuit claims that Apple maintains an illegal monopoly over smartphones by enforcing contractual restrictions and denying developers essential access.
Other allegations in this lawsuit include:
Blocking Innovative Super Apps
Suppressing Mobile Cloud Streaming Services
Excluding Cross-Platform Messaging Apps
Diminishing the Functionality of Non-Apple Smart Watches
Limiting Third-Party Digital Wallets
The complaint also outlines how Apple's actions impact a wide range of areas, including web browsers, video communication, news subscriptions, entertainment, automotive services, advertising, and location services, among others. Apple is motivated to continue and broaden its behavior to gain and retain dominance over emerging devices and technologies.
Through this monopolization lawsuit, the Justice Department and state Attorneys General are seeking relief to restore competition to these vital markets on behalf of the American public.
As of June 11, 2024, four additional states have been added to the lawsuit against Apple – Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington. Given the widespread impact of this case, it may take a long time to find a resolution.