The US Department of Justice is suing Apple for hindering competition in the field of smartphones and smartwatches. It is the second case against a major tech company against a US state tech company, after the current case against Google.
The indictment focuses on five counts. According to the ministry, Apple has prevented the arrival of 'super apps' because Apple does not allow apps to contain mini apps. According to Apple, these should be listed separately in the App Store. Because super apps make users less dependent on Apple, the iPhone maker is hindering competition, the Ministry of Justice reasons.
In addition, cloud gaming providers cannot create an iOS app because the rules of the App Store don't allow that. As a result, they have to function via the browser and are therefore at a disadvantage compared to if they worked in an app. In doing so, Apple disadvantages users who want to play games that the phone itself cannot handle.
The third complaint concerns iMessage. Since other apps can't send or receive text messages, users must use the Messages client with iMessage included. As a result, Apple makes users dependent on its Messages app and makes it more difficult for users to switch.
Apple has banned smartwatches from replying to messages, making the company seriously compete with its own Apple Watch limited. Better smartwatches have therefore not been given a chance in combination with iPhones, the ministry reasons.
In addition, it is not possible for payment methods from other companies to use the NFC chip of the Watch. As a result, Apple has limited competition. The indictment could be the start of a years-long lawsuit against Apple. A case by the US Department of Justice against Google for control of the advertising market will begin in September.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.