Apple Faces Case in US Over iPhone Monopoly: Company Denies Allegations

The US Department of Justice filed a case against tech company Apple on Thursday. It alleges that Apple has established an unfair monopoly in the smartphone market by increasing prices on iPhone products and reducing competition.

The department has accused Apple of using its market power to earn more money from consumers, developers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses, and merchants. It also alleges that Apple’s policies have caused harm to consumers and small companies that compete with some of Apple’s services.

Apple is also accused of restraining the development of super apps.

In the lawsuit, Apple is accused of restraining the creation of super apps on its iPhone. Other technology companies like Meta have been wanting to launch such super-apps on iPhones for a long time.

Due to news of the lawsuit, Apple’s shares fell by 4.09% on Wall Street on Thursday.

Apple said – These lawsuits are baseless

US Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate antitrust laws. If not stopped, Apple will strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”

Apple stated that these lawsuits put our identity and principles at risk, which separate Apple’s products in a competitive market. “These lawsuits are baseless, and we will defend against them.”

Company spokespersons said that if this case is successful, it will set a dangerous precedent, giving the government the power to design people’s technology.

Last year, Apple stopped the sale of its latest smartwatches in America

Last December, Apple had imposed a ban on the sale of its latest Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. The company made this decision due to patent disputes over the blood oxygen feature available in these smartwatches. However, the company later received relief from the US Court of Appeals.