The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday a broad antitrust lawsuit against Apple Inc., accusing the company of illegally suppressing competition by using its proprietary hardware and software. The complaint was also signed by 15 states, as well as the District of Columbia.
It is not surprising that the suit has been planned for many years. Attorney General Merrick Gault took time away from his pursuit of former President Donald Trump to accuse Apple of monopoly power.
At a press conference, Attorney General Merrick G. Garland said that the complaint alleges “Apple’s monopoly in the smartphone market was not maintained by simply staying ahead of its competition on merit, but by violating federal law against antitrust.”
He added: “Consumers shouldn’t have to pay more because companies violate the law.”
BREAKING: Attorney General Merrick Garland announces Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple for ‘Unlawful Exclusionary Behavior’, says, “Apple has maintained its power not because of its superiority, but because of its unlawful exclusionary behavior.” WATCH pic.twitter.com/ldAsGZmmKP
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 21, 2024
Apple has been accused of manipulating the market for years.
Apple’s long-anticipated suit, filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, was filed after years of accusations by critics about Apple harming competition through restrictive app store terms and fees, and its “walled garden” approach to hardware and software. Apple is known for making its technology easy to use. However, it does so by controlling and, in some cases restricting, how third-party businesses can interact with the tech giant’s products. Apple’s products may have better features and access than those of its competitors.
Apple’s products are excellent, but their operating system has always made me feel constrained. In effect, it says, “Here’s our computer, and here’s your software. That’s all there is to the discussion.” Windows and Linux offer more control over the inner workings of their operating systems. It’s not just about personalization, but about optimizing your system’s capabilities to meet your business’s needs. Apple is a favorite of many creatives, a market where they are dominant, yet many businesses avoid them.
Android allows you to customize the software according to your needs.
It’s geeky stuff, yes. But it is relevant because the DOJ accuses Apple of blocking third-party applications and smothering competitors. As an example:
It also allows its products to access parts of the hardware that are restricted to other companies. This creates a magical experience when iPhones are used with AirTags. Competitors’ products have far more limited capabilities.
Garland, speaking on Thursday, said that Apple creates barriers that make it difficult and costly for users and developers alike to leave the Apple ecosystem.
Apple responded by saying that government interference in the personal technology world was unnecessary and overreaching.
The company denied the allegations in the lawsuit and said that it would fight against them. It also added that the suit could empower the government to “take a heavy-handed approach” when designing the technology of people.
Garland said Apple’s recent actions had wide-ranging impacts on the world.
Monopolies such as Apple threaten the fair and free markets that are the foundation of our economy. They suppress innovation. “They hurt workers and producers, and increase costs for consumers,” Garland stated Thursday.
Apple’s smartphone monopoly will continue to grow if it is not challenged. “But there is a law to cover that,” he said.
Sen. “Based”, Mike Lee (R – UT) appeared to endorse the move.
What began in the Trump Administration’s review of anticompetitive conduct by big tech platforms culminated in DOJ’s lawsuit against Apple today. In the Senate, I continue to fight for important legislation to end Big Tech monopolists’ grip on our economy and to further promote… https://t.co/8nTkg6ME5p
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) March 22, 2024
I will continue to work in the Senate to pass important legislation that will end Big Tech’s grip on our economy, and promote more competition.
Apple’s practices deserve some scrutiny, even though I am normally disturbed by Big Government meddling with the affairs of private businesses. My family insisted that I get an iPhone, even though I was happy with my Android-powered Galaxy Edge. This is because Apple’s messaging feature is superior and works especially well for group chats. Apple has made it impossible to send text messages from my Windows PC (like I used to); I must go to my phone to type them out laboriously with my fat finger. If I want to, I can also type it out on my computer and then paste it into “Notes” on my phone. It’s boring, I know.
Apple’s refusal to be friendly is the only reason this happens. I’m willing to admit that it’s a minor inconvenience. Apple has a long history of punishing non-Apple users.
Microsoft has been using many of the same tactics for years. Anyone who uses Windows is aware that Microsoft constantly tries to force you to use its Edge browser, despite Google Chrome’s constant innovation.
I wouldn’t put Merrick Garland in a position to be trusted beyond my ability, but I am curious to see how this case turns out. Will this lead to greater innovation and compatibility or is it another attempt by the federal government to extract billions from Apple? These may seem silly to me, but they are important on a larger scale.
