Investigating Apple: Unpacking Antitrust Allegations and Impact on Smartphone Market Competition
The Department of Justice has recently taken an interest in investigating Apple over alleged antitrust practices concerning the iPhone’s dominance in the market. The case rests on specific claims outlined in a 90-page document, challenging the notion that the iPhone is a monopoly solely based on its size. The document highlights several key areas where Apple’s practices have come under scrutiny.
“Super Apps”: Apple has been accused of imposing restrictions on the App Store, particularly in relation to “Super Apps” that offer a wide variety of different services within a single app. This restriction allegedly makes it difficult for developers to create apps similar to China’s WeChat, which offers multiple services like messaging and payments in one platform.