WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Federal Government filed a lawsuit against Apple on March 21, alleging it monopolizes the smartphone market.
The attorneys general for 15 states and the District of Columbia joined the Justice Department in the civil suit that accuses Apple of restricting its smartphone system to drive up costs and prevent the release of its products on other platforms.
According to NBC News reporting, the lawsuit also alleges that Apple’s monopoly extends to web browsers, video communication, news subscriptions, entertainment, automotive services, advertising and location services.
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the lawsuit against Apple at a press conference, saying that Apple’s market dominance has come “not by making its own products better, but by making other products worse.”
The anti-monopoly lawsuit against Apple is part of a larger crackdown on big tech undertaken by the Biden administration.
The Justice Department is also suing Google, alleging it monopolizes digital advertising and the Federal Trade Commission continues to pursue an anti-monopoly case against Meta.
According to NBC News, the lawsuit against Apple alleges that:
Apple prevents apps that would make it easier for consumers to switch between smartphone platforms.Cloud streaming apps that would allow for video game play without paying for extra software are blocked.In order to keep customers buying iPhones, Apple hinders the development of cross-platform messaging apps.
