The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is now preparing to sue Apple over antitrust law violations. The DOJ's lawsuit is expected to be filed in a federal court and become a culmination of an investigation that started way back in 2019.
This investigation acts as an antitrust review of giant tech firms, such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple.
DOJ to Sue Apple Over 'Antitrust Violation'
According to MacRumors' latest report, the DOJ already met with Apple officials numerous times over the past few years. Here are some of what the DOJ has looked into:
- How Apple locks rivals out of iMessage.
- How the firm's Apple Watch works better with the iPhone compared to other smartphone competitors.
- How Apple blocks financial firms from offering Apple Pay alternatives.
- If Apple favors its own services and apps over those offered by third-party developers.
- What in-app purchase fees Apple collect.
Before the announcement of the potential lawsuit, Tile, Meta, Basecamp, Spotify, and other Apple competitors had discussions with antitrust investigations regarding the iPhone maker's practices.
Apple Accused of Illegally Maintaining iPhone Dominance
Bloomberg Law reported that the DOJ accuses Apple of violating antitrust laws by restricting competitors from accessing software and hardware features of its iPhone models.
If the legal action really happens, it would be the third time that the Department of Justice sued Apple for antitrust violations in the past 14 years.
But, this new lawsuit is different since it would be the first case accusing the tech firm of illegally maintaining its dominant position.
The DOJ is expected to file the antitrust lawsuit as early as Thursday, Mar. 21.
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