United States of America: Announced amendment to DOJ and 16 state attorneys general lawsuit against Apple over alleged monopolisation of smartphone markets to include four more states

On 11 June 2024, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an amendment to the previously filed lawsuit against Apple for alleged monopolisation or attempted monopolisation of smartphone markets in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. The DOJ stated that four more states had joined the lawsuit, namely the attorneys general (AGs) of Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington. The DOJ filed an amended complaint with the court, including the four new plaintiffs. The complaint itself remains the same, namely, alleging that Apple illegally maintains such a monopoly by selectively imposing contractual restrictions on developers. Further, the lawsuit claims that Apple undermines access points, such as apps, products, or services, which could lessen users' dependence on the iPhone, increase interoperability, and decrease costs for both consumers and developers. In particular, the lawsuit claims that Apple engages in anti-competitive behaviour by blocking innovative apps that would facilitate the switch between different smartphone platforms, blocking mobile cloud streaming services and the exclusion of cross-platform messaging apps. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Apple diminished the functionality of non-Apple smartwatches and limited the offering of cross-platform third-party digital wallets. The lawsuit seeks relief to restore competition to these markets on behalf of the American public.