Among the allegations in the suit, the DOJ accuses the company of intentionally blocking the spread of software and services that would make it easier for consumers to switch or communicate between different smartphone platforms. “We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”
Why is the U.S. suing Apple?
Answer: For antitrust reasons.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday filed a lawsuit in federal court in New Jersey against popular tech company Apple. The DOJ accuses Apple of violating antitrust laws to ensure a monopoly of the smartphone market.
Among the allegations in the suit, the DOJ accuses the company of intentionally blocking the spread of software and services that would make it easier for consumers to switch or communicate between different smartphone platforms. “We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”
Apple responded by publicly rebuking the suit’s claims. “At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love — design products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users,” the company said in a statement to ABC News. “This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets."
Among the allegations in the suit, the DOJ accuses the company of intentionally blocking the spread of software and services that would make it easier for consumers to switch or communicate between different smartphone platforms. “We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”
