The United States has filed a lawsuit against Apple accusing the company of monopolising the smartphone market and crushing competition.
The complaint, filed in the US district court, New Jersey, accused the company of squashing the growth of new apps and reducing the appeal of rival products. The complaint lists a number of “anti-competitive” steps allegedly taken by Apple, including blocking apps with broad functionality, suppressing mobile cloud streaming services, limiting third-party digital wallets and “diminishing the functionality” of smartwatches not made by the company.
“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,” he said.“The Justice Department will vigorously enforce antitrust laws that protect consumers from higher prices and fewer choices.“That is the Justice Department’s legal obligation and what the American people expect and deserve.