The Justice Department accuses Apple Inc. of engaging in anti-competitive practices to solidify its smartphone monopoly and prioritize profits over consumer interests, as outlined in a groundbreaking antitrust lawsuit filed Thursday.
According to the complaint filed in federal district court in New Jersey, Apple allegedly exploited its app development regulations, iPhone features, and everyday hardware like iMessage and Apple Wallet to hinder competition and inflate prices. The lawsuit, joined by fifteen states and the District of Columbia, alleges that Apple’s actions violate federal antitrust laws.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated at the Justice Department headquarters, “Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law. Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies break the law.”
