By using this site, you agree privacy policies
Accept
Geek RoomGeek RoomGeek Room
  • Home
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Split Technology Park welcomes first tenants: 26 MPSs and 6 startups
    October 31, 2024
    INNVEST Summit 2024: A premier event for innovation and economic competitiveness in the Western Balkans
    October 31, 2024
    Diaspora 4 Innovation: Kick-off event launches a new era for Albanian higher education
    October 31, 2024
    AI for good: Generative AI – Tirana chapter empowers Albanian Youth in tech innovation
    October 29, 2024
    Business Angel Summit 2024: Pioneering Investment and Startup Growth in Sarajevo
    October 29, 2024
  • Mobile
    MobileShow More
    Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro set to launch on October 29: Official renders released
    October 24, 2024
    Dangerous virus infects millions of mobile phones through popular apps
    October 3, 2024
    The new iPhone 16 arrives in Croatia with a steep price tag
    September 26, 2024
    Beware of these phone numbers: Block them immediately to avoid scams
    September 11, 2024
    Beyond the brand: What really matters when buying a mobile phone
    September 5, 2024
  • Apps
    AppsShow More
    Shoppable widget by EmbedSocial: Revolutionizing E-commerce with authentic shopper content
    October 31, 2024
    Intel prevails in long-running legal battle against €1 billion EU fine
    October 31, 2024
    New definition of open source artificial intelligence released by OSI
    October 29, 2024
    CaSys introduces “Pay by Link” payment service for SMEs in Macedonia
    October 24, 2024
    Kickstarter surpasses $8 billion in donations across all projects
    October 17, 2024
  • Science
    ScienceShow More
    Sofia Tech Park: A thriving innovation hub for Southeast Europe
    October 29, 2024
    Breakthrough in prostate cancer treatment: Croatian scientists develop Vini, a tool to predict effective drug combinations
    October 24, 2024
    Digital Realty partners with Ecolab to pilot AI-powered water conservation solution
    October 24, 2024
    Sofia Tech Park to host the Southeast European Innovators Challenge Conference
    October 11, 2024
    ACG accelerates European growth with major expansion in Croatia
    October 9, 2024
  • Gaming
    GamingShow More
    “Windblown” – The new game from the creators of Dead Cells
    October 24, 2024
    Kraken Empire’s Journey and the creative brilliance of Toy Tactics
    October 21, 2024
    Serbian game studio Tricoman set to make a mark with their new RPG ‘Godforged’ on Steam
    October 16, 2024
    Release the demon with Kill Knight: A phenomenal combat experience with untapped potential
    October 14, 2024
    Nordeus launches new football game “Top Goal: Football Champion” in Serbia
    October 9, 2024
  • Cars
    CarsShow More
    Serbia signs strategic agreement with Hyundai Engineering for 1 GW of Solar Power
    October 16, 2024
    Stara Zagora: Poised to lead Bulgaria’s automotive revolution
    October 15, 2024
    Dacia unveils new Bigster: The flagship model for the C-SUV segment
    October 9, 2024
    Kineton Albania: Pioneering innovation in the automotive industry
    October 8, 2024
    Albania’s vehicle numbers surge in 2024: 73% of registered cars are over 15 years old
    August 20, 2024
  • Entertainment
    EntertainmentShow More
    Where are Generation Z’s famous tech entrepreneurs?
    October 29, 2024
    AllWeb offers special discounts for startups: A unique opportunity for networking and growth
    October 23, 2024
    Montenegro census reveals no ethnic majority, Montenegrins and Serbs nearly equal
    October 16, 2024
    “Primordial Passion” is the first luxury Albanian watch valued at €1.4 million by Argjendari Pirro
    October 15, 2024
    Albania takes the stage at BIG event Paris: Culture and innovation as economic drivers
    October 12, 2024
Search
Reading: US Department of Justice sues Apple for illegal monopoly over smartphones
Notification Show More
Aa
Geek RoomGeek Room
Aa
  • Tech
  • Mobile
  • Apps
  • Science
  • Gaming
  • Cars
  • Entertainment
Search
  • Home
  • Tech
  • Mobile
  • Apps
  • Science
  • Gaming
  • Cars
  • Entertainment
Geek Room > Blog > Mobile > US Department of Justice sues Apple for illegal monopoly over smartphones
Mobile

US Department of Justice sues Apple for illegal monopoly over smartphones

Last updated: 2024/03/21 at 7:16 PM
Share
4 Min Read

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), supported by 16 state and district attorneys general, has filed a comprehensive antitrust lawsuit against Apple. This significant legal move challenges many aspects of how Apple controls its iPhone ecosystem, alleging that the tech giant has maintained an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. The lawsuit claims that Apple’s practices not only elevate prices for consumers and developers but also increase users’ dependency on its products, thereby stifling competition.

According to the DOJ, Apple is accused of employing restrictive contractual measures with developers and deliberately limiting access to critical phone functionalities, all in an effort to curb competitive threats. The government’s press release points out, “Apple exercises its monopoly power to extract more money from consumers, developers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses, and merchants, among others.”

The DOJ’s accusations against Apple include a variety of alleged anticompetitive practices:

  • Thwarting the development of “super apps” that could potentially reduce the “iOS stickiness” and make it easier for users to switch to rival platforms.
  • Prohibiting cloud-streaming apps for services like video games, which could diminish the demand for more costly hardware.
  • Degrading the quality of messaging between iPhones and competing Android devices.
  • Restricting the functionality of third-party smartwatches and hindering Apple Watch users from switching away from iPhones due to compatibility issues.
  • Preventing third-party developers from offering competing digital wallets with tap-to-pay functionality on the iPhone.

DOJ Antitrust Division Chief Jonathan Kanter described Apple’s strategy as a series of ‘Whac-A-Mole‘ contractual rules and restrictions designed to suppress competition and extract higher fees from various stakeholders. The lawsuit has been filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, with support from a broad coalition of attorneys general from states including New Jersey, Arizona, California, and New York, among others.

The legal action seeks to prohibit Apple from leveraging its control over app distribution to suppress competition in areas such as super apps, cloud streaming services, and cross-platform technologies like messaging and digital wallets. Additionally, it aims to prevent Apple from using its contractual agreements to maintain or extend its monopoly power.

At a press conference, DOJ Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco criticized Apple for its monopolistic practices, suggesting the company has hindered industry innovation. Echoing this sentiment, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of the government’s role in safeguarding the economy and consumers from such monopolistic harm, especially given the resource disparity between the government and a trillion-dollar company like Apple.

In response, Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz defended the company, arguing that the lawsuit misconstrues Apple’s role in the tech ecosystem and could potentially stifle its ability to innovate. Sainz warned of a dangerous precedent that could result from government overreach into technological design and innovation.

This lawsuit against Apple follows a series of actions by the DOJ against other tech giants, including Google, indicating a renewed focus on antitrust enforcement in the tech industry. The complaint builds on longstanding grievances from app developers regarding Apple’s control over the iOS app marketplace and the fees imposed on developers, as well as concerns over Apple’s competitive practices highlighted in previous legislative investigations.

The case represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the power and influence of major technology companies, with potential implications for how digital marketplaces and platforms operate in the future.

You Might Also Like

Split Technology Park welcomes first tenants: 26 MPSs and 6 startups

INNVEST Summit 2024: A premier event for innovation and economic competitiveness in the Western Balkans

Shoppable widget by EmbedSocial: Revolutionizing E-commerce with authentic shopper content

Intel prevails in long-running legal battle against €1 billion EU fine

Diaspora 4 Innovation: Kick-off event launches a new era for Albanian higher education

Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Copy Link
Previous Article Here’s the inside story of 8 Google employees who invented modern AI
Next Article The 2024 Galaxy Tab S6 Lite leak shows a new colour

Social networks

Instagram Follow

Latest news

Split Technology Park welcomes first tenants: 26 MPSs and 6 startups
Tech October 31, 2024
INNVEST Summit 2024: A premier event for innovation and economic competitiveness in the Western Balkans
Tech October 31, 2024
Shoppable widget by EmbedSocial: Revolutionizing E-commerce with authentic shopper content
Apps October 31, 2024
Intel prevails in long-running legal battle against €1 billion EU fine
Apps October 31, 2024

Related articles

Tech

Split Technology Park welcomes first tenants: 26 MPSs and 6 startups

October 31, 2024
Tech

INNVEST Summit 2024: A premier event for innovation and economic competitiveness in the Western Balkans

October 31, 2024
Apps

Shoppable widget by EmbedSocial: Revolutionizing E-commerce with authentic shopper content

October 31, 2024
Apps

Intel prevails in long-running legal battle against €1 billion EU fine

October 31, 2024

About us

Geek Room is dedicated to technology and its enthusiasts through real-time information and videos about the latest innovations. Connect with our staff via email at: [email protected]
For cooperation opportunities, write to us at: [email protected]

Find us:

© 2023 Geekroom All Rights Reserved. Developed by MIMS
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Our site is an advertising supported site. Please whitelist to support our site.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?