• Apple is accused of being a high-tech monopoly and targeted by the Biden DOJ.
  • Apple strongly denied the charges and determined to defend against them.

After filing sanctions on companies like Amazon, Google and Meta platforms, the Biden DOJ takes its aim at Apple, the high-tech giant favoured by most local customers.

DOJ targets Apple in monopoly crackdown

The Biden administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) continues its crackdown on high-tech monopolies, with Apple becoming the latest target. The DOJ has filed a lawsuit accusing Apple’s regulations could damage customers and other competitors.

Also read: Apple antitrust lawsuit: Prices manipulated, development stifled says DoJ

Filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, the lawsuit accuses Apple of harming users’ ability to switch to non-Apple devices on purpose and preventing rivals from providing alternatives to its services, such as digital wallets.

The allegations extend beyond smartphones to involve web browsers, advertising services, and more.

Apple defends against allegations in a strong stance

Founded in 1970s in a California garage, Apple has become one of the greatest innovators across the globe and the most welcomed companies in the United States.

Apple occupies 57% of the U.S. smartphone market and only 20% of the global smartphone market, which falls short of meeting the criteria for the definition of monopoly. The success of Apple is attributed to its continuous innovation in products and technology, rather than engaging in coercive sales tactics that might cause market disruption.

“This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple where hardware, software and services intersect,” said an Apple spokesperson.

Government intervention in tech industry: a risky move

The weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target a U.S. company like Apple, which serves consumer needs, provides employment, and contributes tax revenues, is dangerous.

Let the competitive nature of the tech market, rather than government intervention, to decide Apple’s future or any other companies’ future.