The Justice Department also plans to file antitrust charges against Apple on Thursday for blocking competitors from accessing the iPhone’s hardware and software features. Bloomberg News reported on wednesday.
The lawsuit is expected to be filed in federal court and will intensify the Biden administration’s antitrust battle against most of America’s largest technology companies, according to the report.
The lawsuit is the third time the Justice Department has accused Apple of antitrust violations in the past 14 years, but it is the first time it has accused the iPhone maker of illegally maintaining a dominant position. the book added.
In late February, Bloomberg News reported that Apple representatives met with Justice Department officials to persuade the agency not to file an antitrust lawsuit against the iPhone maker.
Spokespeople for Apple and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The company’s stock fell 1.5% to $175.97 in extended trading.
