Apple Refutes DOJ’s Antitrust Allegations, Calls Lawsuit Misleading

Recently, Apple strongly disputed the claims made in the antitrust lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) amid their ongoing legal battle. In a statement to Quartz, Apple rebuffed the accusations, asserting that the lawsuit is misleading and some of the claims presented by the DOJ are simply untrue.

The lawsuit, filed by the DOJ last week, alleges that Apple has created a monopoly in the smartphone market and has actively impeded competition from both direct competitors and app developers, particularly in the domains of super apps, smartwatches, and digital wallets. The complaint, which comprises a staggering 210 allegations against Apple, paints a picture of a company willing to sacrifice consumer interests to safeguard its dominance in the market and its lucrative profits.

One of the primary contentions put forth by the DOJ is the assertion that Apple holds a monopoly in the “performance” smartphone market, defined as a higher-priced segment within the broader smartphone market. According to the complaint, Apple purportedly commands a commanding 70% share in this segment, while also holding a significant 65% share in the overall U.S. smartphone market.

Related: Report: DOJ’s Apple Antitrust Suit Could Land Thursday

However, Apple has refuted these claims, vehemently denying the existence of any monopoly and contesting the notion of a distinct “performance” smartphone market. The company has stated that it has never heard of such a market categorization, challenging the very premise of the DOJ’s argument.

According to Quartz, Apple has maintained that it has never engaged in practices aimed at suppressing competition or stifling innovation. The company emphasized its commitment to providing a platform that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship among developers, refuting accusations of deliberately making its products less favorable for consumers to prevent the emergence of competition.

Notably, Apple also addressed the perennial debate surrounding the blue versus green bubble text messaging dynamic, asserting that it will not apologize for its distinctive blue bubbles, a hallmark of its iMessage platform.

The clash between Apple and the DOJ underscores the broader scrutiny faced by tech giants over their market dominance and business practices. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for Apple but for the entire tech industry, shaping the future landscape of competition and innovation in the digital sphere.

Source: QZ