4 more states join the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Apple

Four more states joined the community Ministry of Justice‘S civil antitrust lawsuit accusing it Apple monopolizes the smartphone market.

The Justice Department announced Tuesday (June 11) that the attorneys general of Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington have joined 15 other states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice as co-plaintiffs in the lawsuit. press release.

The coalition members The lawsuit aims to “restore competition in the smartphone markets that Apple has monopolized,” says deputy attorney general Jonathan Kanter – said the Antitrust Department of the Department of Justice in a statement. “We look forward to resolving this important case with our state partners to ensure the benefits of competition for consumers, app developers, accessory makers and the American public.”

Apple did not immediately respond to PYMNTS’ request for comment.

On Tuesday press release announcing that Washington will join the lawsuit, Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: “An open market encourages competition and creativity. Apple’s smartphone monopoly generates profits at the expense of users, developers and businesses. Ending the illegal monopolization of smartphones will level the playing field for everyone.”

The Department of Justice presented its long-awaited position antitrust case against Apple and its iPhone on March 21, accusing Apple of monopolizing or attempting to monopolize the smartphone market.

“We allege that Apple has maintained its monopoly position in the smartphone market not only by outperforming its competitors on merits, but also by violating federal antitrust law,” the attorney general said. Merrick Garland he said then. “If Apple is not challenged, Apple will continue to operate strengthen monopoly on smartphones.

The complaint alleges that the tech giant keeps its monopoly alive by “selectively imposing” contractual restrictions on developers and denying them important access points. It also accuses Apple of taking steps to weaken apps, products and services that would reduce its customers’ dependence on the iPhone.

In a statement provided to PYMNTS after the lawsuit was filed, Apple said suit threatens the principles that distinguish its products.

“If successful, it will make it harder for us to create the technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software and services intersect,” the company said. “It would also set a dangerous precedent by empowering the government to take a decisive role in the design of human-grade technology. We believe this lawsuit is factually and legally wrong, and we will vigorously defend against it.”