DOJ Sues Apple for Alleged Antitrust Violations in the Smartphone Market
The United States Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of illegally monopolizing the smartphone market and using its dominant position to extract more money from consumers, developers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses, and merchants.
Apple’s Alleged Tactics to Maintain Monopoly Power
According to the DOJ’s complaint, Apple has engaged in many of the same tactics that Microsoft used in the landmark antitrust case at the turn of the century. Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer stated that Apple has “smothered an entire industry” by shifting from “revolutionizing the smartphone market to stalling its advancement.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Cath Virginia / The Zero Byte | Photo by Bloomberg, Getty Images
Apple’s Response to the DOJ’s Lawsuit
In response to the DOJ’s lawsuit, Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz released a statement, calling the case “an incredible tale of antitrust warfare.” Sainz highlighted the similarities between the DOJ’s actions against Apple and their previous case against Microsoft 25 years ago.
The Impact of Green Texts on User Experience
Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the issue of green texts between Android and iPhone devices, stating that they not only cause annoyance but also result in limited functionality. Garland explained:
Videos are pixelated and grainy, and users cannot edit messages or see typing indicators.
Green bubbles are actually a big part of the DOJ’s case against Apple.
Illustration by Cath Virginia / The Zero Byte
Apple’s Alleged Suppression of Cloud Gaming and Super Apps
The DOJ’s lawsuit also focuses on Apple’s alleged attempts to suppress cloud gaming services and “super” apps. As cloud streaming services gained popularity in 2020, Apple introduced new App Store rules that severely limited the presence of these services by requiring developers to submit their games for approval individually rather than having them exist in a singular hub.
The Potential Impact on the Tech Industry
The DOJ’s lawsuit against Apple has the potential to significantly impact the tech industry, with companies like Spotify and Deezer already expressing their support for the action. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will shape the future of the smartphone market and the broader tech landscape.
Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Zero Byte
4 Comments
Oh, it’s like David vs. Goliath, but who’s who
So, it’s a heavyweight match in the tech and legal world, huh? Fascinating!
How’s that for a modern-day clash of titans? Who knew tech would get this juicy!
Apple and the US government throwing down? Now that’s the kind of drama you can’t make up!