US Justice Dept. Sues Apple for Monopolistic Behavior in Smartphones

The US Justice Department, joined by 16 other attorneys general, today filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple for illegal monopolization of smartphone markets. The move comes after the EU forced Apple to change the way it operates in Europe, for similar reasons. Specifically, the Justice Dept. claims several specific offenses:

• Disrupting the growth of "super apps" with broad functionality that would make it easier to switch platforms.
• Suppressing streaming game apps and certain other cloud-based applications.
• Making cross-platform messaging worse, less innovative, and less secure to create platform lock-in.
• Limiting the functionality of smartwatches when used with other platforms.
• Limiting third-party apps from offering tap-to-pay functionality.

The complaint further alleges that Apple's illegal conduct also extends to web browsers, video communication, news subscriptions, entertainment, automotive services, advertising, location services, and more. The Justice Department is "seeking equitable relief on behalf of the American public to redress Apple's long-running, pervasive anticompetitive conduct."