US govt sues Apple over smartphone monopoly

DOJ Sues Apple , for Monopolizing Smartphone Market. The Justice Department and 16 state attorneys general filed suit against Apple on March 21 in New Jersey, 'The Hill' reports. . The complaint alleges that the tech company constructed a "dominant iPhone platform and ecosystem," . and "rather than respond to competitive threats by offering lower smartphone prices to consumers or better monetization for developers,". Apple enforced a "series of shapeshifting rules and restrictions" in the App Store. It has deployed this playbook across many technologies, products, and services, including super apps, text messaging, smartwatches, and digital wallets, among many others, Via complaint. Today’s lawsuit seeks to hold Apple accountable and ensure it cannot deploy the same, unlawful playbook in other vital markets, Via complaint. In its defense, Apple claimed that the lawsuit "threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets.". If successful, [this lawsuit] would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple—where hardware, software, and services intersect, Apple, via statement. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology. , Apple, via statement. We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it, Apple, via statement