Apple's control over software and hardware: verdict expected mid-year, the US Department of Justice speaks of “entrapment” of consumers.
A decision regarding Apple's control over software and hardware could come by mid-year.
The Apple ecosystem “traps consumers”, according to the United States Department of Justice.
The consolidated Apple model represents one of its main ones strength factorswhich gradually encourages users to invest thousands of dollars in the experience of its products.
However, it's also a business strategy that has put the tech giant in murky waters: According to a recent report, an antitrust investigation is nearing its end and could result in a lawsuit in the second half of this year.
Apple Watch, iMessage, AirTags, Apple Pay
According to the New York Times, the current investigation highlights Apple's strategies that lock consumers inconcomitant use of the company's hardware and software, while keeping competitors out of the picture.
The US Department of Justice has highlighted several anti-competitive practices by Apple.
The extensive case examined various issues, including the closure to competitors in the use of iMessageswith the most recent case involving Beeper, where Apple prevented Android smartphone owners from interacting with messages.
There was also discussion as to why Apple Watch integrates better with iPhone than other devices, although that may be due more to software optimizations than anti-competitive practices.
Other observations concern the limitation of location services for competing devices to AirTagsblocking financial companies from offering contactless payment services similar to Apple Paythe impact of app tracking transparency on advertiser revenue, and more.
A very bad moment
Several large companies such as Meta, Spotify, Beeper, Tile and others have cooperated with antitrust investigators.
However, the final decision on possible legal action is still pending.
It is important that Apple has the opportunity to present its point of view, even if so far it has not been called to defend its position with a view to the possible initiation of a trial.
According to the report, the Justice Department's actions will depend on Apple's response to European Union regulations related toAdopting USB-C interface and other requirements.
To date, Apple has followed the rules by adopting the “standard” charging port on the entire iPhone 15 series, but there is still the problem of implementing a system that allows the use of third-party app stores in different regions. Criticism comes not only from Europe, but also from the East.
It's not an easy start to the year for the world's best-known company, so it will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming weeks and months.
#Apple #face #massive #antitrust #lawsuit #United #States
