Joined the Department of Justice: 16 bipartisan state attorneys general A lawsuit filed in New Jersey alleges that Apple restricts competition through its App Store operations, harms consumers, developers, and small businesses, limits the functionality of third-party smartwatches, and restricts cross-platform messaging. It is claimed that the quality of the product is impaired.
“For years, Apple has responded to competitive threats by imposing a series of ‘whack-a-mole’ contractual rules and restrictions. This allows Apple to extract higher prices from consumers and higher prices for developers and creators. “Rival technologies” that could impose fees and suppress the competitiveness of other products. Jonathan Cantersaid the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division in a statement.
“Today’s lawsuit aims to hold Apple accountable and prevent it from deploying similar illegal strategies in other important markets,” Kanter added.
Apple defended itself against the allegations, saying the lawsuit “threats our position.” and the principle is Differentiate Apple products In a competitive market. ”
“If we succeed, [this lawsuit] This could impede our ability to develop the types of technologies at the intersection of hardware, software and services that people have come to expect from Apple. It would also set a dangerous precedent that would give governments more power over how people design technology. “We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend it,” Apple said in a statement.
The complaint alleges that Apple has built a “dominant iPhone platform and ecosystem” that “rather than counter competitive threats by lowering smartphone prices for consumers and providing increased revenue for developers.” ”, “A set of shape change rules and restrictions” claimed on the App Store.
“The company has implemented this playbook into a number of technologies, products, and services, including super apps, text messaging, smart watches, digital wallets, and more,” the complaint states.
For more information, read the full report on TheHill.com.
