The United States through the "US Department of Justice" is now suing Apple, saying the company is involved in monopolizing the smartphone market by controlling several things through their platforms and devices - including using a dominant position in controlling the distribution of applications.
Some of what was said included stating that Apple imposes some limitations on users and developers through access to the iPhone. Among the things touched on are barriers to cloud-based game streaming applications that might allow the use of lower-cost hardware to access video games. The suit also states that these controls allow higher fees to be collected, in addition to stifling innovation, and making the user experience less attractive.
It also touched on messaging quality constraints between iPhone and Android, limiting the use of third-party smartwatches with the iPhone, making it difficult for Apple Watch users to switch, preventing third-party developers from developing competing apps such as digital wallets, and several others.
Touching on this, Apple says they are focusing on developing technology that people like – that can be used together easily. Apple says this suit will threaten who and what principles Apple products are different from other products on the market. At the same time, Apple also stated that this may lead to a case that establishes the power of the government in controlling the design of technology for consumers. Apple believes that this lawsuit is unfair, and they will fight this lawsuit.
In addition to this lawsuit in the United States, Apple has also started to make some changes to their offering in Europe, by opening access to other developers offering an application store, making it easier for users to change the main application, and some other features. With this latest lawsuit in the United States, will it also bring changes to iOS globally?